Lately there has been a push amongst countries across the globe to quickly roll out
broadband solutions. Because faster Internet speeds help improve economic performance and global competitive edge, it has become imperative to remove barriers that might hinder growth in this area.
The U.K. is taking a proactive approach in this endeavor by recently considering new legislation to reduce many obstacles blocking economic expansion and the development of broadband solutions. On October 18, the Growth and
Infrastructure Bill was introduced to Parliament to do just that. Although changes are not expected to occur overnight, supporters are hopeful that the bill will pass and that strides toward reducing red tape may take place as early as mid-next year.
According to an
article featured at thinkbroadband.com, the government is backing the bill and has set a goal of obtaining 90 percent penetration when it comes to providing access to high speed broadband service. It has said that it will be investing £680 million (1.09 billion in U.S. dollars) in the effort – £530 million will be spent on laying groundwork to rural communities while the remainder will be allocated to further inner-city expansion.
If the bill does pass, it will essentially set the UK up to have the fastest Internet speeds in Europe. Decreasing the number of restrictions that businesses face will cut down on the time it takes to secure state approval for the laying of broadband solutions framework throughout the country. The bill will also result in reduced costs and paperwork required to grant companies and their employees access to broadband Internet service. It is anticipated that the legislation will also help close the gap in broadband solutions offerings missing from the rural market.
Not everyone supports the bill, however. Last month it was discovered that the statute calls for the removal of mandated planning permits when installing broadband solutions and wireless device infrastructure in protected conservation areas. Critics are skeptical that removal of such mandates may open the door for telecommunication companies to press ahead with broadband solutions development at all costs, without considering the visual and physical impact of that expansion on the community at large.
Other opponents voice concerns that the bill is misleading in regards to how much funding will actually be allocated to rural areas. Critics argue that the European Union only defines about 13 percent of households in the UK as being rural, which means it is likely the amount set aside for rural broadband solutions development is overinflated. While there may be local interests that push for the availability of superfast speeds in the outskirts, the principal focus of the project appears to be set on suburbia.
Edited by Stefanie Mosca