FSB: Firms wants higher broadband speeds

Written by Paul Sells

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has criticised the government's commitment to universal broadband speeds of two mbps by 2010.

Broadly welcoming the Digital Britain report, the organisation claimed that one-third of small firms already have this internet speed, yet find they struggle to perform day-to-day business activities.

John Wright, FSB national chairman, said this element of the report shows the government is in a "time warp" when it comes to broadband speeds and claimed that 60 per cent of small firms want to see speeds of eight mbps.

In addition, he pointed out that estimates predict £1 in every £5 will be generated through online commerce by 2012, but called for more government support if this is be capitalised on.

Mr Wright commented: "Small businesses are ready to play their part. Now the government needs to step up and take the country into a future when UK businesses are internationally competitive."

The government's Digital Britain white paper called for the UK to establish a knowledge economy by investing in its communications infrastructure.