Britons believe broadband 'is as essential as electricity'
Wednesday 3rd June 2009
Broadband is becoming increasingly essential to the lives of Britons, a new report has revealed.
Almost three-quarters of people questioned by the Communications Consumer Panel admit that broadband is critical to them.
ISP Review noted that 81 per cent of individuals believe that everyone has a right to broadband in the home.
Over 80 per cent also stated that everyone should be able to benefit from fast internet connections, regardless of their income.
However, e-commerce businesses may want to ensure that reliable web hosting is in place, after research commissioned by the BBC found that three million UK homes have access to internet slower than 2Mbps.
So-called "notspots" are not confined to rural areas and also affect commuter belts across the UK.
Chair of the Communications Consumer Panel Anna Bradley told the BBC: "It [broadband] is being compared by consumers to gas and electricity - things which they think we all ought to have access to, almost as a right."
Written by Debra Hastings-Henry