Fast broadband for every UK home and business, say Cameron

Every home and business in the UK will have access to "fast broadband" by 2020, prime minister David Cameron pledged this weekend.

Members of the public will be granted the legal right to an affordable connection under a new universal service obligation.

"Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury, it should be a right - absolutely fundamental to life in 21st Century Britain," Cameron said.

"Just as our forebears effectively brought gas, electricity and water to all, we're going to bring fast broadband to every home and business that wants it.

"We're getting Britain - all of Britain - online, and on the way to becoming the most prosperous economy in the whole of Europe."

The move was criticised by Labour for putting people who have a slower than average internet service "on the broadband back-burner" for "another five years".

The prime minister is expected to unveil further details on the plans next week.