 Lack of reliable broad band is becoming a barrier to growth for small firms say the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Figures from the FSB-ICM survey of small firms show that nearly one quarter (24%) of respondents are dissatisfied with their broadband service. The call comes as the Digital Economy Bill moves to the House of Commons for debate on 22 March. The FSB is calling on the Government to ensure that it puts the needs of Britain’s small businesses and consumers first and calls for clarity, independence, independent technical advice and good engineering practice in broadband infrastructure. At this stage the Government must agree to promote and finance one technical standard and Ofcom, as communications regulator, must truly act independently of industry. The FSB survey showed businesses are unhappy with the speed and reliability of their internet connection supplied by their service provider. Another 30 per cent said the area they live in has an unreliable broadband connection and 13 per cent said they would consider moving business premises to an area with faster broadband. The FSB is concerned that small firms are being promised a service from their broadband supplier which is not being delivered. The Government must ensure that good broadband infrastructure is put in place to ensure small firms and consumers get the broadband service they expect. The FSB is urging the Government to ensure that the needs of small businesses and consumers are kept at the forefront of the debate and is calling for: Internet service providers to be obliged to deliver a minimum and guaranteed connection speed of 8Mb/s direct to business premises; The telecommunications ombudsman’s remit to cover all service providers and their contractors; Ofcom to act truly independently of the industry in order to really ensure that small firms are getting a good deal; Chairman of the Wessex Region, Ken Moon, said: “Small businesses are being let down by broadband services. Rural businesses are badly hit but the problems are not confined to the countryside. Small businesses need fast and reliable broadband to ensure the UK remains a key player in the global economy. The Digital Economy Bill gives the Government a chance to guarantee Britain becomes a real competitor and the FSB is calling on the Government to enforce rules on service providers and regulators so that small firms are given the fair deal they deserve.” |
