As reported the present government is looking to introduce a tax levy on broadband usage that will assist in the funding of the high-speed broadband infrastructure. The next-generation broadband network will provide high-speed access to UK users and will include rural areas that have in the past been overlooked. Now CEO of telecoms provider TalkTalk, Charles Dunstone, has slammed the proposed tax as unfair.
"This is an unjust and regressive tax on all phone customers which will subsidise mostly richer rural households that can afford high priced super fast broadband services," remarked Dunstone.
"We estimate that the increase in price will mean that over 100,000 mostly low income homes will be forced to give up their broadband lines. This is wholly inconsistent with the government's plans to tackle digital exclusion by increasing uptake and use of broadband." The tax is expected to be in place before the next general election.
