30 April 2009
Consumers may be left to foot the bill when super-fast broadband is implemented throughout the UK, one expert believes.
Oliver Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Point-Topic.com, claims that funding for the project is unlikely to become available until 2012, with it unclear how much of it is going to be allocated to the actual universal service order.
"BT in particular is hoping to reduce ... the regulation or regulatory burden they would be under which means that they could maximise some of their returns i.e. charge the consumer more," Mr Johnson continues.
Last week's budget confirmed that the government was planning to deliver a universal broadband service at 2Mbps by 2012.
However, those after improved broadband speeds and connection can compare prices online to make sure they are getting the best package.
The government is also planning on giving consumers the guaranteed quality of broadband capable of providing a wide range of applications, such as BBC iPlayer.