Small businesses call for 8Mbps broadband

The majority of small businesses in the UK are not receiving the broadband speeds promised by their providers, and need more than the 2Mbps promised by the Government.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), along with ICM, conducted a survey which showed six out of 10 of the 1,300 small firms they spoke to were unhappy with their broadband speeds as well as the reliability of their internet connections. "The online world is crucial to small business development, especially as small firms look to grow and expand as the economy recovers," said John Wright, national chairman of the FSB, in a statement.

"Small businesses, particularly in rural areas, have been promised action to deal with slow broadband and the 'notspots' where there is no broadband access but they have seen little action."

However, the FSB is championing their cause and calling for these issues to be addressed in the Digital Economy Bill.

It is asking the Government to make ISPs provide a minimum of 8Mbps direct to business premises, for the telecommunications ombudsman's remit to cover all service providers and their contractors and for Ofcom to act "truly independently of the industry" so SMBs get a fair deal. "Small businesses need fast and reliable broadband to ensure the UK remains a key player in the global economy," added Wright.

"The Digital Economy Bill gives the Government a chance to guarantee Britain becomes a real competitor and the FSB is calling on the Government to enforce [the above] rules on service providers and regulators so that small firms are given the fair deal they deserve."