Broadband tax

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1215660/6-broadband-tax-phone-introduced-election.html

Yet another stealth tax, or a jolly good idea?

If a person gets rid of their land-line telephone, and uses just a mobile phone and cable for their broadband, would they still have to pay the tax?

[hc4361]

No, it is added to the phone bill. Lots of people with cable broadband via Virgin don't have a telephone line, they use Skype instead.

[daffy654]

It is a bl**dy stupid idea! There are areas of the country that will never get the fibre optic high speed broadband,yet people in those areas still have to pay the tax.

[dothawkes31]

I read about this in the mirror today, why are they trying to do this now? This country should be already totally up to speed on this, it's abit late to decide they want the best service isnlt it?

[rov1200]

I think you're right. The tax is being applied to land lines whether you sign up to BT or other. Obviously mobile broadband will be exempt. But to make use of the 100Mb fibre optics you will then have to reconnect to the landline and then they will charge the premium.

It will be a bad idea for the few that will not be connected to the high speed broadband because of location and still be expected to pay. Because this will be unfair the set up costs should be borne by central government.

If the cost of having it into your home I would think the price would shoot through the roof meaning many will still be unable to use it. The question then is what happens to the old exchanges and telephone lines. Will they run a dual service, I can't see that happening.

[rojash]

"Because this will be unfair the set up costs should be borne by central government."

Errm, where does central government get its money? Oh yeah, from taxes. So basically you seem to be saying that everyone, even those who are guaranteed not to benefit, should pay.