“Burnham said broadband was almost as important to people now as their electricity and water supplies”

What a load of rubbish. Cut off water and gas/electric from people and there is a risk they might die - especially in the winter. I can’t imagine people will die without broadband.

(On saying that, I don’t have mains water or gas where I live, but I do have broadband).

I have electicity {natch} and the slowest broadband you can get {a full two miles to the exchange, so you can walk faster than you can download but, yes, it's much quicker than dialup was anyway...} but no gas. Interestingly, I have some very good friends who live in the middle of nowhere on the island of Mallorca who have cracking broadband connectivity- why so slow here? Anyone have good service on all three in this technologically cutting-edge country?

I disagree although you are correct that heating/electricity is possibly the most essential utility in the UK but I'd say broadband is almost essential now as it's probably the main source of information.

To put in perspective-the Oz PM announced 3 months ago that he was investing around $4O Billion in building a lightening fast broadband system and big business is lining up to invest.

Remember-within 5 years we will be downloading the latest Hollywood releases in minutes on-line as well as all manner of services.

Needless to say-most Asian countries are well ahead of the West in this-Thailand has broadband that is far faster than anything I've found in the UK and it's much cheaper.