ISPA: Manifestos need more broadband ambition

The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has responded to the publication of the pre-election manifestos of the main political parties ahead of the upcoming general election in the UK.

According to the body, it is now not good enough for the next government to aim for 95 per cent superfast broadband coverage for the UK, when this service should be ubiquitous in order to deliver the greatest benefits to the nation as a whole.

ISPA Secretary General Nicholas Lansman commented: "What industry needs from the next government is an ambitious, clear and detailed vision for the internet and communications sector."

He added that recent years have been extremely successful in terms of progress in the provision of superfast  connectivity, but what is now needed is stronger incentives to bolster rollout plans, as well as a push for increased competition to deliver benefits to consumers up and down the country.