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<p>On 6 June 2019, the telecoms regulator Ofcom, responsible for implementing the
USO, announced that customers will be able to request Universal Service Obligation
(USO) connections from March 2020, in line with the Government’s commitment.</p><p>
</p><p>The USO will give customers the right to request a broadband connection with
a download speed of at least 10Mbps. This download speed and the other quality parameters
of the USO are in line with Ofcom’s advice on the needs of a typical household at
present. However, recognising that take-up and use of broadband changes, the Government
legislated to enable it to direct Ofcom to carry out reviews of the USO. Any review
would look not just at the minimum download speed but all aspects of the USO specification.
There is also a formal requirement for the Government to direct Ofcom to undertake
a review when superfast broadband has been taken up by 75% of UK premises.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>The USO is designed to act as a safety net to ensure everyone can access
a minimum level of connectivity but the Government is also committed to investing
to deliver faster speeds across the UK. Our Superfast programme has ensured superfast
broadband (24mbps) coverage for over 96% of UK premises. Further, in the Future Telecoms
Infrastructure Review, the Government committed to an “outside-in” approach to the
deployment of gigabit capable broadband, which will ensure that the least commercial
areas of the country get this type of connectivity at the same time as the market
deploys to more commercial areas. The first step in this approach is the £200 million
Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) Programme, which will test a model of connecting
public sector buildings with gigabit capable connections, starting with primary schools.
The RGC programme also has a rural gigabit broadband voucher component, offering up
to £3,500 for small businesses and up to £1,500 for residents to encourage the take-up
of gigabit-capable connectivity by residents and businesses in rural areas.</p><p><strong>
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