Ofcom confirmed that BT and KCOM would provide the universal service obligation (USO), allowing anyone in the UK to demand a minimum standard of broadband connection. The regulator proposed that both companies be responsible for delivering the USO in December, with KCOM responsible for the Hull region and BT in the rest of the UK. Thanks to commercially and government sponsored high-speed broadband deployments, 95% of the UK population now has access to fiber optic services. However, Ofcom estimates that more than 600,000 homes and businesses are not covered. This number will decrease over time as more and more people are added to high-speed fiber deployments.
Broadband usage
The USO will initially define a minimum standard as a 10 Mbps service, although it is possible to increase it later. BT and KCOM have until March 20, 2020 to ensure their systems and processes are up and running to receive applications. Once the application is received, providers have 30 days to see if an applicant is eligible, after which they must establish the connection as quickly as possible. The government will cover costs of up to €3,400, after which the applicant will have to pay the balance or seek alternative technology such as satellite. Neighbors will also be able to unite to make common demands to reduce costs. "As more and more of our daily lives move online, it is essential to provide people and businesses with better broadband speeds," said Lindsey Fussell, director of Ofcom's consumer group. "Starting next year, this new broadband safety net will give everyone the right to legitimately request a connection, whether you live in a city or a village. This will be vital for people struggling to get the broadband they need." BT expects to be able to connect three quarters of eligible people via the 4G EE fixed wireless access service, with speeds of up to 30 Mbps, and another 40,000 can connect below the €3,400 threshold. He says that he will work to find ways to find funds to connect the rest. "This is good news that most homes and businesses in rural areas can choose an EE fixed wireless service to solve the problem of slow broadband and achieve speeds well above 10 Mbit/s," he said. she. said Philip Jansen, CEO of BT. "Thanks to Openreach, we are now expanding our fiber optic broadband network to reach an additional 40,000 installations in the USO area for which FWA is not the solution. We will continue discussions with Ofcom, government and industry to explore alternatives. to link all property in the country and ensure that no one is left behind."