Digital Economy Bill — New Clause 27 — Introduction of Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme as Alternative to Universal Service Order Provision — 28 Nov 2016 at 18:47

The majority of MPs voted against offering an option of a grant to purchase an alternative broadband connection to that offered by a universal service provider.

MPs were considering the Digital Economy Bill^[1].

The proposed new clause rejected in this vote was titled: Introduction of broadband connection voucher scheme as alternative to universal service order provision and stated:

• “The Secretary of State shall introduce a broadband connection voucher scheme to allow an end-user to access broadband other than that supplied by the provider of the universal service order, under Part 2 of the Communications Act 2003.”

The rejected new clause was accompanied by the following explanatory statement:

• Although most individuals are likely to choose the standard universal service order offering, this new clause would provide individuals with the option of a voucher scheme that empowers them to take up an alternative solution.

Past UK Government broadband voucher schemes have been grants to enable businesses to obtain a faster internet connection^[2][3].

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• [1] Parliament's webpage on the Digital Economy Bill
• [2] Last chance for businesses in Edinburgh to get a subsidised broadband installation – apply now!, Government website, 17 September 2013
• [3] Small businesses given big boost through Government broadband scheme, Government website, 16 November 2015

Debate in Parliament |