At BT, we are committed to improving the UK’s digital infrastructure and bringing the benefits of good connectivity to everyone. The Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a legal obligation imposed on BT Plc by Ofcom which launched on 20 March 2020.
As the designated Universal Service Provider for the UK excluding Hull, BT is obliged to provide a minimum broadband service of 10Mbps to those who request if the following conditions are met:
- no service which fulfils the USO criteria is available from BT or another supplier;
- no suitable improvements are planned within 12 months via a public procurement programme.
BT is required to upgrade a premises’ connectivity to meet the USO criteria at no cost to the customer if the necessary works cost less than £3,400, with costs being met by BT/industry rather than the Government. In practice, upgrades typically result in building gigabit-capable, full-fibre connections. Where the necessary works cost more than £3,400, customers have the option to pay any additional costs. If you think you might be eligible for a broadband USO connection, you can find out more and contact us.
Every six months we publish a report on how we are delivering the broadband USO against key performance specified by Ofcom. These reports are available below.
