FSB welcomes fresh focus by Ofcom on small business needs
FSB welcomes fresh focus by Ofcom on small business needs
Commenting on the release by Ofcom of their “Broadband services for SMEs: assessment and action plan” [2], John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Today’s report by Ofcom shines welcome new light on the challenges facing small businesses as they continue to increase their use of digital technology.
“Ofcom is right to highlight how small businesses are much less likely to have access to the infrastructure needed for superfast broadband. In June last year, only 56 per cent of small business premises had access to superfast broadband, compared to 75 per cent of all UK premises [3]. While we recognise progress has and will be made, this infrastructure gap remains a major issue stopping small businesses getting online. As Ofcom has shown, closing this gap has clear economic benefits. We fully support the recommendation for the Government to set explicit targets for small business connectivity as part of their review into a universal service obligation.
“The FSB also agrees that a dedicated small business Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds will help small firms better understand the levels of service they can expect. We look forward to working with the industry and Ofcom to develop the Code, and hope to see concrete proposals in the coming months.
“Improved information transparency and easier processes for switching providers is a further welcome recommendation. It will help improve levels of competition in the market and deliver benefits for small business consumers. Ofcom’s focus on these important issues will pay real dividends for small businesses across the country and the FSB will continue to work collaboratively with all interested stakeholders to help accomplish this.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
1) The FSB is the UK's leading business organisation with around 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the UK’s Real-Life Entrepreneurs who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk and follow on twitter @fsb_policy
2) Ofcom, Broadband services for SMEs: assessment and action plan, 25 June, 2015
3) Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report, December 2014.
4) The FSB published ‘The Fourth Utility’ report in July 2014, which highlighted many of the issues addressed in this report and proposed specific policy recommendations to address these issues.
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