Your Right to Decent Broadband

The communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched a scheme giving people the right to request a decent broadband service.

The Universal Service Obligation enables those who can’t get a download speed of 10Mbps and an upload speed of 1Mbps to request an upgraded connection.

In Hampshire, requests for this are being taken by BT.

Am I eligible?

When you contact BT they will have 30 days to confirm if you’re eligible, and how much it will cost to build your connection.

Your home or business will be eligible if it:

• has no access to existing decent broadband; and

• will not be covered by a public broadband scheme offered by the UK and devolved governments in the next 12 months;

If you currently only have access to a decent service that is priced over £46.10 per month, you’ll also have the right to request a universal service connection.

How much does it cost?

If the cost of building or upgrading your share of the network connection is £3,400 or less, you won’t have to pay for this work to be done. If it will cost more than £3,400 to connect your home, and you still want a connection, you will have to pay the excess costs.

If you want to do this, BT will conduct a survey and give you a quote within 60 days.

You will pay the same price for your new broadband service as anyone else on the same package, and no more than £46.10 a month.

What if I’m not eligible?

BT may be able to suggest alternative options.

There are also other solutions available – see our homepage and click on ‘Alternative Solutions’

For more information see the Ofcom website

 

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