Small businesses welcome universal right to broadband as Coronavirus forces more homeworking

Press Releases 20 Mar 2020

Anyone who receives an internet download speed of less than 10MPbs will today have the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection

From today, anyone who receives an internet download speed of less than 10Mbps or an upload speed of less than 1Mbps will have the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection from BT under the government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO).

Commenting on the news, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said:

“The need for decent, efficient and reliable broadband could not come at a more urgent time. Currently, around five per cent of homes and commercial premises across the UK do not receive the broadband connection they’re entitled to.

“But as coronavirus grips the nation, more people are being forced to work from home. However, sluggish broadband speeds are debilitating, and result in lost business and employment opportunities.

“That is why now, more than ever, BT now must make good on its promise to provide a connection that enables high quality video calling, social media communication with customers and other online services.

“This will also benefit small businesses in rural areas, who have historically been given a raw deal compared to the bigger cities where broadband speeds are typically faster.

“With a decent broadband connection, businesses will have the right tools to boost efficiency, improve service quality and survive.

“We’re looking forward to working with our partners at BT to make sure businesses benefit to the maximum potential.”

Note to Editors 

For more information on accessing your right to a good broadband connection under USO, please visit www.bt.com/uso

Media contact 

Anna Slater

Anna Slater

Deputy Head of Media and Communications

About FSB

As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.

FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.