Broadband services must be improved for small business customers, according to a report from the cross party Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.
The committee specifically criticised the poor quality of service levels to small businesses, and the flat level of investment in broadband infrastructure.
Responding to the report, Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said: “Large numbers of small firms are using new digital technology to revolutionise the way they do business, but the market is still not delivering for all and this is acting as a brake on the ambitions of many businesses. Poor quality of service is a major barrier to firms who want to do more online – we need a sustained focus on raising minimum standards.
“Access to superfast broadband is an ongoing issue, with business premises and business parks continuing to lag domestic rollout. A stretching Universal Service Obligation including small business premises is desperately needed to deliver acceptable levels of speed for all consumers and to put the UK in the digital fast lane.”
