2Mbps target put back to 2015

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The Government’s goal of 2Mbps broadband to every home in the UK by 2012 has faced a setback, with the new coalition minister in charge saying it can’t be done.

Jeremy Hunt, Conservative MP and secretary for culture, media and sport, today admitted the target could not be reached and would have to be put back by three years to 2015.

Speaking at a Government industry day, Hunt blamed Labour for not leaving sufficient funding in the kitty to reach the goal by 2012.

“Last month, I announced that we were supporting a universal service level of 2Mbps as the very minimum that should be available,” he said.

“I have looked at the provision the Government had made to achieve this by 2012. And I’m afraid that I am not convinced that there is sufficient funding in place.”

“So, while we will keep working towards that date, we have set ourselves a more realistic target of achieving universal 2Mbps access within the lifetime of this Parliament,” he added.

However, despite this setback, Hunt has also stuck by his pledge to give the UK “the best broadband network in Europe” by the end of parliament in 2015.

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