TalkTalk responds to Digital Britain report
TalkTalk responds to Digital Britain report
By Brian Palmer (Fri, 19th June 2009)
TalkTalk has responded to the publication of the government's Digital Britain report, which outlined plans for broadband and other services to be expanded across the UK.
Published on June 16th and presented by culture secretary Ben Bradshaw, the survey was intended to map out the future of the nation's internet capabilities and was preceded by a guest column in the Times by Gordon Brown.
However, although TalkTalk admits it is largely behind the prime minister in working towards faster web speeds and greater inclusion - particularly for those in rural areas who my not yet have broadband access - plans to direct some of the costs of implementing this towards consumers is the wrong approach.
In the survey, it was suggested a monthly 50 pence levy for those using the copper lines would be brought in to help pay for improvements but in a piece for the official blog of the company, TalkTalk Group managing director Wendy Becker warned against such a move - at least without first asking everyone.
"Before this phone line poll tax becomes law, it is the government's job to consult and properly justify that the charge is a good use of public subsidy and that the levy mechanism is a fair way of raising the money," she explained.
In addition, Ms Becker said TalkTalk would be one of the many groups involved in the debate regarding Digital Britain and if necessary would represent the views of their own customers ahead of any legislation being passed.
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