Every home and business in the UK now has the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection.
Whilst progress has been made in rolling out broadband, there are still too many people left behind so this is welcome news.
Broadband is now classed as an essential service along with water, electricity and gas. The decision means that as of 20 March 2020, everyone in the UK has the legal right to request a decent and affordable broadband connection from BT.
With working from home becoming the norm for most people during the Coronavirus, a decent broadband connection has never been more important.
Currently, an estimated 189,000 UK properties (0.6%), mostly in rural areas, are unable to get a decent connection – which means a download speed of 10 Mbit/s and an upload speed of 1 Mbit/s.
The broadband Universal Service Obligation, introduced by the Government, gives homes and businesses the legal right to request an upgraded connection if they can’t get these speeds.
Broadband companies are under significant strain at the moment due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus so please visit BT’s website here in the first instance or call 0800 783 0223.
Ofcom has produced some useful tips to improve connectivity at home during the Coronavirus, available on their website here.
