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Theresa welcomes Government announcement of a broadband Universal Service Obligation

Theresa May has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a Universal Service Obligation (USO), which will give people the legal right to request broadband speeds of 10Mbps. Plans announced by the Prime Minister will ensure that everybody has the right to request this broadband speed regardless of where they live. It will also place broadband alongside basic utilities such as gas, electricity and water.

Access to broadband is vital to securing Britain’s place in a digital age. The USO will act as a buffer and allow households and business to access the speeds they need to work, use important services and entertain families.

The announcement complements the Government’s wider work to deliver superfast broadband to 95% of premises by 2017. Over three million homes and businesses have benefited from the roll out of superfast broadband and the Government remains on track to deliver this target.

Theresa remains committed to ensuring as many properties as possible receive superfast broadband and, for those in Maidenhead who may not yet have access to superfast speeds, the USO will provide a welcome boost for local connectivity and particularly for rural areas.

Commenting, Theresa said: “I am delighted that the Government has announced a Universal Service Obligation and, by the end of this Parliament, it will be a legal right for people to access broadband connections. Broadband access is integral for everybody – we live in a digital landscape which is continually changing and broadband is very important for my constituents, businesses and homeowners looking to access important services.”

“It is right that broadband is considered equal to basic utilities and I welcome the Government’s continued commitment to deliver superfast broadband. I will continue to assist my constituents in ensuring superfast broadband is rolled out across Berkshire.”

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