Avanti welcomes Policy Exchange's report on the priorities for the future of UK broadband policy

9 January 2013

Avanti Communications Group plc, the satellite operator, welcomes the report published by Policy Exchange on Priorities for the future of UK broadband policy.

The report recognises the importance of broadband access to the future growth of the UK economy but challenges the current focus on providing subsidies to increase speeds in selected areas versus providing breadth of service across the UK. Avanti agrees that it is the breadth of access that will drive the internet's contribution to economic growth.

Thanks to the service provided by Avanti's next generation superfast HYLAS 1 satellite, broadband is available now, across the UK no matter how remote, at speeds of 10mbps or higher.

However, contrary to the report, satellite broadband is neither expensive or unreliable; in its first year of operations, Avanti's HYLAS 1 satellite was available for service for 99.987% of the time – a level well in excess of other service providers.  

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti, commented: “We are pleased to see Policy Exchange recognising that it is widespread access to reasonable broadband speeds rather selective access to very high speeds in cities that will drive increased economic growth for the UK.  Satellite is perfectly placed to provide this breadth of service due to its universal coverage. Broadband over satellite is available now throughout the UK at prices in-line with fixed line infrastructure and providing consistently fast and reliable service regardless of location.”