New Ofcom chief in favour of broadband for all

Ofcom chairwoman-elect Dr Colette Bowe wants a universal broadband service obligation

The new chairwoman-elect of telecoms regulator Ofcom has signalled her backing for a universal broadband service obligation.

Dr Colette Bowe was replying to a question from Angus Scottish National Party MP Mike Weir, who represents a part of the UK where lack of broadband still affects a number of rural communities in remoter areas, at a pre-appointment hearing held jointly by the Commons Business and Enterprise and Culture, Media and Sports Committees.

Bowe said that broadband was one of her priorities and that she favoured a universal service obligation.

She did not expand the remark to explain how it would work, or whether such a legal requirement would be placed on BT or shared among all internet providers.

Bowe's position, if implemented, would amount to a U-turn by Ofcom, which was previously in favour of relying on commercial pressure to complete the rollout.

A spokeswoman for Ofcom claimed that the remarks did not indicate any support for a compulsory rollout of high-speed broadband.

Weir said that Bowe's statement was "significant" and that he was "delighted ", adding that many consumers in Scotland cannot get broadband services even where the local exchange had been enabled.

Communications minister Lord Carter hinted this week that he favours a universal service obligation for broadband by combining fixed and mobile provision. Carter's Digital Britain review into the UK's IT and communications infrastructure is due to be released later this month.