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Broadband service must be 'universal'
Broadband plans should be 'put in place immediately' to boost business in the UK.
Fast and reliable broadband is vital for small businesses and the new broadband minister should have direct control of the roll-out of superfast broadband to boost the economy.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the government to make guaranteed broadband speeds a priority as it claims small firms are losing out because of a lack of access to high-speed networks.
FSB national chairman John Walker said: "The lack of broadband is unacceptable in the 21st Century. The UK is lagging behind and as a result small businesses, especially in rural areas, cannot develop their business online which is vital for the growth of the UK's economy."
The roll-out of superfast broadband could create up to 60,000 jobs and increase UK gross domestic product by as much as £18 billion, the FSB has claimed.
Money from the BBC licence fee could be used to fund broadband access after the coalition government highlighted this an option.