KCOM looks set to join a new government initiative which from 2020 would see it legally responsible for Hull customers having a “decent broadband connection.” In March, the Government introduced legislation for a broadband universal service obligation (USO), which will give both households and businesses the right to a certain standard of internet. KCOM has now been chosen by national watchdog Ofcom to provide the service in Hull – subject to a consultation – with BT leading the service across the rest of the country. If approved, KCOM could be forced to pay up to £3,400 to supply a “decent broadband connection” to any Hull homes and businesses which currently do not have the required 10mbit/s download and one mbit/s upload speed. After the Government announced the legislation, eight companies put themselves forwards to deliver the USO. Three companies – KCOM, BT and Hyperoptic – passed the criteria required to deliver USO, but the latter withdrew its interest, leaving just KCOM and BT. Ofcom has now recommended the pair deliver the service. A consultation will run until February 13, 2019, and a final decision will be published next summer. If all goes ahead as planned, by 2020 Hull customers will have a legal right to a decent broadband connection. Ofcom said: “We are working to implement the USO as quickly as possible, but we needed time to put an appropriate process in place and to then to consult with the public on who should deliver USO connections, and the rules they must follow. Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play Play now “We also expect to consult on funding arrangements, including designing an industry fund to compensate the providers for any unfair costs, identifying who should contribute to the fund, and how it should be run. “The Government’s initial commitment was for the USO to be in place from 2020, so we are on track to deliver ahead of that deadline.” KCOM is currently pushing ahead with its fibre broadband rollout across Hull. By the end of March next year, the rollout will be completed, with all households having access to the high-speed Lightstream connection. It would put KCOM at a significant advantage to deliver the USO. Our daily newsletter - To get the latest headlines direct to your email inbox every day, click here . Follow Hull Live on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the lively discussions in the comments. Click here to give it a like! Follow us on Twitter - For breaking news and the latest stories, click here to follow Hull Live on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram - On the Hull Live Instagram page we share gorgeous pictures of our stunning city - and if you tag us in your posts, we could repost your picture on our page! We also put the latest news in our Instagram Stories. Click here to follow Hull Live on Instagram .
KCOM could become legally required to provide customers in Hull with a "decent broadband connection" under a government initiative. The universal service obligation (USO) scheme, launched in March, gives households and businesses the right to download and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps and one Mbps respectively. KCOM, which has been proposed by Ofcom as the designated service provider for the city, would be required to spend up to £3,400 ($4,290) per customer to provide an adequate service. The regulator's recommendation is out for consultation and a final decision is expected next summer.