OfCom's broadband powers restricted

The new super-regulator Ofcom will not have the power to enforce universal provision of broadband services in the UK, despite attempts to amend the government's Communications Bill.

MP John Whittingdale, a member of the standing committee discussing the Bill before its third reading in the House of Commons next month, tabled an amendment that broadband be included in Ofcom's powers to force universal service provision on telecoms operators.

The amendment was rejected, but Whittingdale told Computing that his aim was to use the issue to raise concerns about broadband rollout in the UK.

'I am anxious to get out of government what their view is in terms of trying to extend access to broadband. At the moment we are failing lamentably,' he said.

Whittingdale says that one-third of the country cannot access high-speed communications, and wants the government to address the situation.

'I am convinced it is not sustainable to write off one-third of the country and say - sorry, you are not going to get broadband. My concern is more about the two-tier economy likely to result if we continue to have a position where two-thirds can get broadband and the remaining third have no sign that BT is prepared to make it available,' he said.

MP John Robertson, also a member of the Committee, says it is important that Ofcom chairman Lord Currie is aware of MPs' concerns.

'We had to make sure there was an obligation for Ofcom to make it as easy as possible for companies to provide broadband and for customers to get it. Broadband is all the way through the Bill and Ofcom will have plenty to think about when it comes into being,' he said.

'We want to be the best in the world for broadband but we are so far behind it's not true. While we are arguing about the details and focusing on regulation everyone else is getting on with it.'