The government is off–target in broadband connectivity

The government is far behind the target in broadband access, laments Ian Lucas, Shadow Business Minister. Ofcom’s interactive map published last week shows that just 66% of the country has the facility of broadband connection. The average speed is only 7.5Mbps. 58% of the customers avail super fast broadband service, but 14% have speed of less than 2 Mbps only. Ed Richards of Ofcom expects that the publication will pave way for further development in the broadband system and better performance for domestic and commercial purposes. Mr. Lucas feels that it will be really a challenge if the country wants to become the leader in super fast broadband in the continent. Unfortunately the government is short of funds. But it must be understood that lack of service will indirectly affect the economy as companies will shift to areas of green pastures. According to the study by Ofcom, Herefordshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset are the places which are rather poor in internet access. However Edinburgh achieved 10.1 Mbps, the fastest speed in the country, closely followed by Bristol with 9.9 Mbps. In both these places only 4.5% of the areas recorded less than 2 Mbps speed. Herefordshire will get higher speeds very shortly as it is earmarked among the initial super fast broadband trial sites in the rural areas.