Dave wrote on Jul 27
th, 2010 at 9:01pm:
Kiko4564 wrote on Jul 27
th, 2010 at 8:42pm:
I think this is ridiculous for them to pass on charges like this. Communication providers should pay to maintain their network themselves. I almost couldn't believe that this was BT's quote.
As communications providers are now private entities, whose objective is to make profit, then I cannot see them doing something like this without passing on their costs. This is because they would not be able to recoup that outlay any time soon from the subscriber(s) that will use the infrastructure in question.
This issue raises some fascinating questions.
If Communications providers should pay to maintain their network, then how many of them should be required by law to install a nationwide fast broadband network? What then happens when all of their existing customers refuse to pay the inflated bills and run off to cheaper providers who do not have to carry this cost?
The landline tax has been abolished by the new government which is talking about using money from the TV licence left over from the digital switchover to subsidise broadband provision in uneconomic areas. The sums do not however add up and it is hard to guess what is going to happen.
I am going to hazard two guesses.
1. Those in remote marginal constituencies can look forward to getting subsidised fast broadband in time for the next general election.
2. Local agencies will be encouraged to invest in a fibre-optic link to the network so that they can sell on connections to local people. These could be social enterprises, to start with, but they will end up getting taken over.