Talk Talk Boss Gets Broadband Tax

Talk Talk Boss Gets Broadband Tax

The government's proposed “broadband tax” could push back high-speed IT connectivity by years, according to TalkTalk chief executive Charles Dunstone.
The Final Third fund would impose a £6 per year tax on every UK landline to generate cash to roll-out fibre networks and bring next generation broadband within reach of 90% of the population, as laid out in this year's Digital Britain report.

However, Dunstone believes the tax is “unjust” and rather than speeding fibre networks to rural areas could hinder progress by dissuading private IT companies from investing.

“The scheme is likely to delay next generation broadband roll-out in rural areas rather than hasten it as private investors will wait for public funds to be made available,” says Dunstone.