Broadband universal service obligation (USO)
Universal service obligations (USO) are intended to ensure that essential services are available across the UK at an affordable price.
In March 2018, the design of the broadband USO was laid out, bringing UK-wide high-speed broadband connectivity closer to reality.
The broadband USO stipulates that Ofcom has up to 2 years to implement the scheme. This means that by 2020, all UK citizens will have a legal right to a connection of at least 10 Mbps from a designated provider at an affordable rate. This connection could be delivered by a range of fixed line and wireless technologies.
The minimum required connection speed is to kept under review and increased over time. While 95% of the UK has access to superfast broadband already, the USO will provide a ‘digital safety net’ for those in the least accessible locations.
A per premises cost threshold of £3,400 will be applied, which will enable coverage to around 99.8% of premises. Those outside the threshold will be able to get a satellite connection or have the option of covering the excess themselves. Demand aggregation will be encouraged, so that people can combine their per premise cost thresholds.
The government expects the USO to be funded by industry, and Ofcom will be responsible for establishing an industry fund.
The digital minister Margot James said; “In the 21st century, accessing the internet is a necessity not a luxury. We are building a Britain that is fit for the future, and we’re now putting high speed broadband on a similar footing as other essential services like water and phone lines.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.