Universal broadband of 10Mbps should include social tariff, argues Local Government Association

But is 10Mbps even enough? Industry not so sure

The Local Government Association (LGA) has insisted that the government's promise for a Universal Service Obligation (USO) of 10Mbps broadband speeds across the UK should also include a social tariff rate for those facing hardship, bringing it in line with many water and power billing schemes.

The call was made via a release from the LGA today, when it argued that as BT already provides a "basic subsidised telephony and broadband package" to those in need, the USO-fuelled broadband promise for UK citizens should follow suit.

"Introducing such a measure would mean all households connected via the USO would have the option to receive a subsidised broadband service should they face undue hardship in paying a market rate," says the release.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, who chairs the LGA's People and Places Board, added that access is now essential, and subsidies will need to be offered as basic speeds are expected to increase into the future:

"Good digital connectivity is a vital element of everyday life for residents and can help them cut household bills, shop online for cheaper goods, stay in touch with distant relatives, access their bank accounts and even run their own businesses," said Hawthorne.

"As central and local government services become more digital, the USO will need to provide faster and more reliable speeds and, for our most vulnerable residents, a subsided connection at an affordable price," he continued.

"The quality of digital connectivity can be markedly different from area to area with some households being able to access superfast broadband speeds whilst others can only achieve substantially less. Councils want to see a social tariff enabling all people to be able to access a subsidised broadband service."

But there are those in the UK IT industry who believe that even the 10Mbps starting speed for the USO is shooting too low. Neil Fraser, who heads up space and comms at broadband firm ViaSat, said 10Mbps is "still nowhere near fast enough, and certainly won't be by 2020".

"People who can afford to pay more for a better service will continue to do so, furthering the divide that the LGA wants to close, and creating a two-tiered nation of broadband haves and have-nots," warned Fraser.

"This in turn will have ongoing effects on education, opportunity and investment, creating a vicious circle where the gap between haves and have-nots keeps expanding."