The move by Tyneside Council to withdraw funding for the proposed free broadband service to all homes in the area prompts the question – would you expect your council to offer free broadband?
There is a feeling that broadband is becoming the latest political football because it attracts the attention of the masses and will ultimately be available across the UK. As we approach the next general election, all political parties seem willing to make promises which ultimately they will be unable to keep. Even though the spectre of free broadband to all homes in a particular area is obviously attractive, ultimately taxpayer’s money would be used to fund the program, system costs and ongoing costs.
So whether or not you expect free broadband from your local authority, the sad truth is that due to growing technology costs it will ultimately be the UK taxpayer that pays, directly or indirectly, for any services they receive free of charge. The broadband sector is no different from any other sector, and there are significant costs associated with setting up a network and ultimately there is no such thing as a “free lunch”.
Perhaps it is best to pay for your own broadband service then you know exactly what you are getting and ultimately it is your choice as to who you go with?