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The UK Gov declined more ambitious full fibre option, or even universal coverage, when looking at the roll out of superfast broadband. They set a target of 95% - not 100%, 95%! Where did these rural Tory MPs think the 5% would be?! #clueless #selfinflicted #SNPsortingToryFail
Their answer for the final 5%? A Universal Service Obligation. The UK-wide USO provides a legal right to request a broadband connection of 10M
download & 1M upload, up to a reasonable cost threshold (£3400).
Ofcom is working on the delivery, expected to be available next year..
download & 1M upload, up to a reasonable cost threshold (£3400).
Ofcom is working on the delivery, expected to be available next year..
Worth noting SNP proposed a 30M USO, arguing 10M was insufficient, cementing in the digital divide, not closing it. 30M would've given parity for all citizens, but also critically necessitated a different approach (more fibre) meaning less chance of the gap opening up in future.
Why did Tories reject a higher USO? They argued 10M was sufficient, but seemed clear main reason was financial. So if you are in the 95% we'll help you get 24M, but rest of you, well most of you chose to live in the country so...
Fortunately, SNP has more ambition for those left behind to date. On top of £400m into Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband, they are now investing £600m into their Reaching 100% programme. This is 96.5% funded from @scotgov. Tories only contributing £21m for whole of Scotland!
So, Tories design scheme for 24M to 95% with 10M for rest (with conditions) and woefully underfund it. The SNP invest millions to drive coverage and then commit to delivering 30M to 100% but Tories complain and blame the SNP. Hopefully their blatant dishonesty is clear to all...
