Shadow minister reveals broadband fears

The potential for British businesses to run voice over internet protocol (VoIP) solutions at their most effective could be hampered by the reluctance of some local authorities to invest in high-speed broadband.

Shadow minister for the digital infrastructure Chi Onwurah has suggested many bodies around the country are not making the required progress, reported the Daily Telegraph.

She said as many as 60 per cent of all councils and other powers have not yet decided how they will fund the expansion to superfast internet.

Ms Onwurah noted this makes the target of having 90 per cent of the UK connected to rapid broadband speeds by 2015 "virtually impossible".

As well as having an impact on the ability of businesses to operate efficiently, it could be preventing many from getting the most out of VoIP solutions and other technology.

There are likely to be no such issues in Dumfries, Scotland, where BT has confirmed it is to revamp local internet infrastructure in 2012, reported the Dumfries & Galloway Standard.