In a move which has been welcomed by those in the rural areas of the UK, were broadband is not readily available, the call by Ofcom to build the first fibre optic networks in the country has caught the headlines. However, even now there are grave concerns that this will not happen – so what is going on?
The move by Ofcom is seen as a reply to BT's plans to roll out a fibre optic network to over 10 million people in the UK by 2012. While there was mention of both rural and urban development many people believe that BT is bound to tackle the more lucrative urban areas first where income streams will come to the fore quicker. So why has Ofcom taken this stance?
The regulator made a very valid point, although not one which will be welcomed by everyone, suggesting that as rural consumers had ‘missed out' on the last phase of the broadband roll out across the UK, they should be at the head of the queue for the next phase – i.e. fibre networks. However, there is one problem in the fact that a fibre optic network will not be cheap to organise and BT will want to see the funds flowing in as soon as possible.
Surely this cuts out the countryside and will likely see BT look at the more lucrative cities of the UK? |
|
Reader Comments: 0
