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The EC has shown its concern over the much talked about Digital Britain Report of the UK government. The main point of debate is one of the suggestions in the report to impose an additional tax on Broadband users across the UK. According to the report, all internet users will have to spend an additional half a pound a month in order to finance the establishment of better internet connectivity throughout Britain. An estimated £200 million is required to accomplish the target of providing an improved broadband facility with 2Mb speed.

Lord Carter, who was in charge of compiling the Digital Britain report anticipates the people’s participation in the process by way of giving £6 per year which would be eventually compensated taking into account the competitive economy in the UK.

Presently, the debatable suggestion of the report is under scrutiny by the European Commission. The EC is contemplating on whether the imposing of tax for broadband usage is in accordance with the existing competition guidelines or not. They also reiterated the importance of financing parties adhering to the competition laws. An EC spokesperson states that it is not clear as to how the imposing of broadband tax to provide the upcoming network will fulfil the goal.

Another issue before the EC is whether the UK government would be violating laws limiting state assistance for industry by imposing the tax. However, this would become clear only once the system comes into effect. It is not possible to form a conclusion regarding the government’s violation of competition laws until the government explains about the implementation of its suggestions as per the report. For information on your ISP, mobile broadband genie is a good site to look at for provider reviews and news from the likes of Orange mobile broadband and the other top internet service providers.