Western nations are pursuing strategies to boost the internet speed in the next five years. On the same day that Australian telecom Telstra announced plans to make available 1Gbps by 2020, British Prime Minister David Cameron promised Britons on Sunday at least 10Mbps.
To make that goal a reality, the UK government would develop a Universal Service Obligation (USO) that targets to provide internet connection even in remote British villages. It is part of the country's aim of being 95 percent connected through broadband coverage by the end of 2017, reports Engadget.
The principle behind Cameron's push for wider coverage is his belief that internet service is no longer a luxury for 21st century residents but a necessity, with the same importance as other basic services such as water and electricity.
"That is why I am announcing a giant leap in my digital mission for Britain," Cameron says, quotes junior College. Under the USO, the British government would start consultations by early 2016.
With government investment on telecom infrastructure, more than 3 million homes and businesses across the UK are expected to be provided access to 24 Mbps or faster internet speed. Government officials claim that over 83 percent of internet users in the country now have access to that superfast broadband connection, expected to widen its scope to 95 percent by 2017.
However, Engadget points out that while Britons then would have the option to subscribe to broadband service, it questions if residents could afford the service. While the Cameron government says it would be affordable, the tech website asks it if would be reliable.