Order by phone:

0333 0417 273

Open Mon - Sun What's this number?

Find the best broadband package for you

Call us: 0333 0417 273

  • Monday to Sunday: 8am to 8pm
Trustpilot logo> 4.7 stars 1,000+ Reviews • Rated Excellent by our customers

Just 27% think broadband USO speed is acceptable

Next year everyone in the UK will have the right to request a broadband connection with a minimum 10Mb download speed, but according to a recent survey conducted by Broadband Genie many people feel that this goal is not ambitious enough. 

The Universal Service Obligation (USO) aims to deliver what Ofcom calls a “decent” broadband connection of 10Mb down and 1Mb up to anyone who requests it. 

While the majority of premises do now have access to speeds exceeding this, there are still a significant number lagging behind, especially in rural communities. The USO aims to plug broadband not-spots and tackle the digital divide by ensuring that no one is left without an internet connection. 

But in our survey 41% of respondents said that the 10Mb USO target was “far too slow”. And a further 32% only agreed it was suitable if it was going to be periodically updated in the future. 

When asked what the target should be, 34% chose 50Mb+, and 21% said it should be 30Mb+. At present Openreach says that around 95% of premises can get access to 30Mb+ broadband. 

We also asked about the Broadband Delivery UK goal to provide 24Mb to 98% of premises by 2020. 71% agreed this was an acceptable goal. Of the 29% who disagreed, 47% said it should be 60Mb and 32% wanted a minimum 60Mb. 

The broadband USO is certainly a step in the right direction, but aside from the questions over speed there will also be problems for a small minority of premises where broadband installation is unusually expensive. The USO has a cost threshold of £3,400, which means homeowners and businesses would be liable for any expenses over this amount. In some cases it may not be realistic to install a fixed line connection, and alternatives such as mobile broadband or satellite may be the best solution.

Meet the author:

Broadband Expert

Alex came on board in October 2016 and in that time has risen to Broadband Genie’s resident broadband expert. For the last 7 years, he has appeared all over the UK press, giving expert advice about anything and everything related to broadband.


Specialist subject: Fighting the consumer's corner on all things broadband.

Why do we need your address?

We need your address to show you the broadband deals available at your home. This information is gathered in partnership with thinkbroadband.
Read our privacy policy for more details.

Top guides