The Communications Managers Association (CMA) has welcomed the latest report from the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG). The report exposes the dangers of the UK falling behind in broadband provision. This recognition of the need for Next Generation Broadband will, said the CMA, come as a considerable relief to business enterprises who increasingly depend on high quality services.
For the first time a reputable and independent body has declared in print what many customers have been saying to government, suppliers and Ofcom for some time.
There is, said CMA’s David Harrington, a lack of clear policy direction. “We intend to continue to press, on behalf of business consumers, to update the UK’s time-expired policy on access to broadband.”
CMA emphasises the report’s finding that the cost estimates for nationwide fibre to the home have now fallen to less than £10bn – less than half of the amount invested in 3G spectrum licences. The BSG report explains that the UK has a narrow window of opportunity in which to change the investment climate for Next Generation Broadband.