In order to drive the development and implementation of “superfast broadband” throughout the country, England is set to introduce a tax on every phone line in the country.
According to the Daily Mail, Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain, is attempting to initiate the levy ahead of the next elections. Digital Britain is the British government’s “strategic vision for ensuring that the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy.”
The tax calls for a 50p per-month, or £6-per-year (approximately $9.82 a year U.S.), additional charge on all phone lines. It’s estimated that the tariff could raise between £150 million and £175 million (approximately $245 million to $286 million U.S.) a year.
The British government defines “superfast broadband” as the transfer of over 40 megabits per second.
Comments
Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth
Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth
Nice ideal but isn't Vats already a pain for the UK?
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Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth
Stealth tax. Paid by the public the tax will go to the government, no doubt about that, but used as funding for new broadband lines? Highly doubtful.
Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth
Agreed, that's my problem with it, the odds are highly unlikely that more than a few pence will go towards our Telecommunications. What was the point of privatizing the phone industry if we are still footing the bill for expansion and upgrade?
That's why I'm dropping BT and sticking to Skype. On my Broadband.
Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth
Lets hope they make sure the fraking ISP(s?) don;t run off with the money like they did in the us.....
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Re: British Tax to Spur Broadband Growth