'Broadband connectivity should be an option for consumers'

An expert website has said the ability to connect to the internet should remain an option for consumers, rather than something forced upon them.

Broadband.co.uk said that although the government has announced plans to connect every UK home within four years, there may be people who still do not want it within this timeframe and their decision should be respected.

The website added there could be people in rural communities who want to use VoIP solutions and need a fast connection for their business, while some living in urban areas where providing a service is much easier may choose to remain unconnected.

People living in rural communities reacted angrily to the recent Digital Britain report as speeds of two megabits per second have not been guaranteed for these areas due to the frequent lack of telephone exchanges in more remote regions.

However, satellite technology and wireless networks may be used to plug coverage gaps.