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HM Government.
Petition to:
scrap the plans to tax phone lines to subsidise other peoples broadband
This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to scrap the plans to tax phone lines to subsidise other peoples broadband. More details
Submitted by Tony Humphreys – Deadline to sign up by: 27 February 2010 – Signatures: 20,243
More details from petition creator
I request that the Government scraps any plans to add 50p a month tax to phone lines to subsidise further broadband roll out. It is wholly unfair to tax my phone line to pay for someone else's broadband, and it is as simple as that. It is recognised that rural areas do suffer a slower connection and higher costs, but they have fantastic views, clean air and a safer environment - its a choice people have to live in the country - and a decision they take. Please see sense, and stop this poll tax - broadband is not a vital service.
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/scrap50pphonetax/
Government response
The Government confirmed in the Budget that it will not introduce the proposed duty on landlines. Instead, it will drive private sector investment in superfast broadband by making regulatory changes to reduce the cost of roll-out.
We are keen to avoid a digital divide between those who enjoy modern communications and those who – for whatever reason – do not. The Coalition Government is therefore committed to stimulating access to reliable internet broadband across the country through whatever technology is required. We are examining options of how to deliver this.
The recent Budget also confirmed that there are to be three pilot projects that will bring superfast broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas. These are projects that will not only benefit those living in these areas, but will also provide Government with vital information about how we can best target Government intervention and make next generation broadband viable in even the most challenging areas.
BDUK is also working towards the delivery of universal broadband service at two Megabits per second. This will be funded by a portion of the Digital Switchover underspend within the TV licence fee.
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Thanks Bob
I had this response but I couldn't open it.
Linda :O)
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strange that this proposed tax appears to have been withdrawn,
but Bt have instead still decided to increase my phone bill by 50 p????
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