Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of classifying internet as an essential public utility.

Having internet is central to everyday life, helping people work, learn, access services and stay connected.

While the Government has not made a formal assessment of classifying internet access as an essential public utility, the UK telecoms regulatory framework has been designed to support competition, investment, affordability and access. This includes the broadband Universal Service Obligation, which gives people the right to request a decent, affordable connection and is set out in legislation.