A host of business leaders have called on BT to expand broadband coverage in Westminster.
The list includes property firms and associations who argue that BT should push forward with its installation. Business leaders have complained that slow broadband would damage the UK capital’s competitiveness.
BT installs broadband in areas where sufficient demand for it can be demonstrated. Westminster council has set up a website pushing for more investment in the area.
Currently, according to data from Ofcom, many postcodes in the Westminster area are unable to obtain BT Openreach’s hybrid copper/fibre services, providing up to 78 Mbps. Analysis Masons, cited in a January report by the Environment Policy and Scrutiny Committee, suggest that 47 percent of premises in Westminster are covered by the next generation broadband service.
"Openreach, a BT Group business, is looking to see if businesses and residents in Westminster want to get connected to the superfast broadband providers available on the Openreach network and, based on demand, will consider expanding their fibre networks into Westminster," the website reads.
"Help us to demonstrate the need and demand for superfast fibre broadband in Westminster and encourage broadband companies to invest in the completion of their fibre networks."
BT responded by arguing that the service is already available to those who require it.
Brian Bickell of Chinatown and Carnaby Street landlord Shaftesbury, said in initial reports to the Evening Standard: "Along with gas, electricity and water broadband is the fourth basic utility and there is not enough of it in the West End.
"We don’t have enough capacity and creative businesses which are shifting huge amounts of data around really need it."
Ian Hawksworth, the head of Covent Garden property firm Capital & Counties, said: "London is the World City. It’s essential that the city’s infrastructure is ahead of the game.
"High-speed broadband is at the cutting edge of enhancing competitiveness for residents, visitors, consumers and business. It is a must-have investment in London’s future."
