The Government has confirmed that universal high speed broadband
will be delivered by a regulatory Universal Service Obligation
(USO), giving everyone in the UK access to speeds of at least 10
Mbps by 2020
Commenting, Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at EEF, the
manufacturers’ organisation, said
“Virtually all manufacturers around the country see a high speed
internet connection as a business necessity. We have consistently
agreed with the government that a Universal Service Obligation
(USO) – a guarantee of minimum service standards – is needed to
make this a reality. Today’s announcement that broadband
providers will face a legal requirement to provide high-speed
broadband to anyone requesting it is a good platform upon which
to deliver an ambition of world class digital
infrastructure.
“Manufacturers need more affordable broadband, faster
installation and better communication from providers along with
more reliable and resilient connections. A USO goes some way in
addressing elements of these requirements by establishing a legal
basis for engaging with internet providers.
“Given that 62% of firms plan to invest more in internet
connected capital equipment in the next five years as part of the
4th industrial revolution, it’s good to see the government making
some hard choices to make sure that industry investment takes
place in the UK by delivering competitive digital infrastructure
for businesses.”
- 91% of manufacturers say a high speed internet connection is
as essential to business as electricity and water
- Over a third of manufacturers are spending more than £5000 pa
on internet connections (23% of small manufacturers, 50% of
mid-sized and 89% of large)
- A third of manufacturers have invested in a dedicated leased
line connection
- 62% of firms plan to invest more in internet connected
capital equipment in the next five years
- Just over 50% of manufacturers say their current internet
connection isn’t adequate enough for their expected needs over
the next five years (only 35% said it was)
- For more information on the transformation of industry to the
fourth industrial revolution visit www.eef.org.uk/fourthindustrial
