As the UK government continues its bid to widen the UK National broadband network it looks as though UK consumers will ultimately be paying the price yet again. There is strong talk of a “broadband tax” which would see all broadband charges increase as the UK government looks to replenish the coffers of the public purse.
A number of parties are now concerned that UK broadband is becoming the government’s latest tax vehicle with the potential for further taxation in due course. When you consider you already pay VAT on your broadband equipment, pay VAT on your broadband charges and ultimately pay VAT on your telephone and electric expenses, is it really fair to tax the UK consumer yet again?
Many people have warned consumers and consumer groups that the broadband, while originally unregulated, would in due course become a significant tax machine for governments around the world. The latest move by the UK authorities seems to bear out his judgement and consumers yet again seems set to be hit with a double whammy. Whether this is fair or not is very much open to debate but it seems as though the authorities are adamant that taxation and additional costs will add to the woes of UK consumers.