Universal Service Obligation

That this House recognises that the ongoing covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the severity of the digital divide prevalent in the UK; notes that part of the problem that exasperates the digital divide is slow or poor broadband connection; further notes that part of the solution to improving broadband is to upgrade or build a new network; notes with concern that the costs of building a new network is often high and furthers the digital divide as better network connection becomes reliant on available income; recognises that the Government’s Universal Service Obligation offers an attempt to bridge the digital divide by upgrading broadband connection for eligible households and providing £3,400 worth of funding for upgrading infrastructure; notes that this funding is inadequate and that the costs of building a new network often far exceeds £3,400; calls on this Government to recognise the severity of the digital divide in the UK and provide further funding for households to build a new network to improve broadband speeds.