Government confirms speed requirements of superfast broadband

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that it still classes superfast broadband as that which provides internet access speeds of at least 25Mbit/s.

Speaking to V3.co.uk, a spokesperson for the department indicates that any internet service providers (ISPs) looking to establish superfast broadband as part of plans to boost the UK's digital infrastructure must work to this figure if they wish to receive financial assistance from the government.

But while a tender document seen by the technology publication is thought to have suggested that it was going to lower the minimum speed ISPs have to meet in order to gain funding to 15Mbit/s, the DCMS official claimed this is not the case, with such moves forming plans to ensure all of the UK can benefit from at a service of at least 2Mbit/s.

"The government wants 90 per cent of homes and businesses in each local authority area to have access to superfast broadband and for everyone in the UK to have access to at least 2Mbit/s," the representative states, adding that the figures outlined in the report should be viewed as a rough guide for ISPs to follow and not as a specific target.

Last year, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt revealed that by 2015 the government intends for the entire country to be able to access a minimum broadband connection of at least 2Mbit/s.