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FSB: Govt broadband goals in a time warp

Jun 19 2009

The government's goal for UK broadband speeds is out of date and will not help small business, an industry group claims.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the government's commitment in its Digital Britain report to universal access to fast broadband is welcome, but lacks ambition.

John Wright, FSB national chairman, claims that the government's target to ensure a speed of two megabits per second (mbps) by 2012 indicates it is operating in a 'time warp'.

He explains that research by the group shows one-third of small firms already have access to broadband of this speed.

Wright also says that £1 in every £5 will be generated through online commerce by 2012 and points out that bold action is needed if small firms are to capitalise on this, revealing that 60 per cent want a minimum of eight mbps.

'Small businesses are ready to play their part. Now the government needs to step up and take the country into a future when UK businesses are internationally competitive,' the chairman continues.

Launched earlier this week, the Digital Britain white paper called for the UK to develop a communications infrastructure in order to build a knowledge economy, with prime minister Gordon Brown saying it will provide the tools for success in the future.

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