Why Full‑Fibre Broadband Is the Real MVP for SMEs
Meetings provider PowWowNow just cherry‑picked the UK Government to sign on the bandwagon: 100% of the nation needs full‑fibre, ultrafast broadband—no more jazzing around with spotty copper cables.
Who’s in the Hall of Fame?
Powerful businesses from tech, property, retail, and even the legal world have thrown their hats into the ring. They’re not just saying “we want better internet”; they’re demanding a digital upgrade that supports the future of remote work.
What’s the Deal?
- £60% of SMEs in London swear that “high broadband speed” is more vital than a perfect supply chain.
- Old‑school copper networks are slowing down millions—resulting in dropped connections that leave entrepreneurs scrambling.
- Over a third of small firms can’t fully shift online because of these hiccups.
Key Concerns
Without flat‑line fiber optic coverage, SMEs will struggle to bounce back from COVID‑19’s crash. The letter wants the government to put the pedal to the metal and inject funds into the underserved UK—places that otherwise would forever be stuck in “not spots.”
Why It Matters
The signatories argue that a robust digital lifeline will also be a vital piece in the “levelling‑up” strategy. Imagine if those rural spots got the same speed as London’s 10‑pac—it’s a win‑win.
Words from the Frontline
Andrew Johnson, Managing Director, PowWowNow paints the picture: “Everyone’s transitioning to remote life post‑pandemic. It’s a pivot, and SMEs, the economy’s heart, need that super‑fast line to keep beating.”
Theodora Paraskevaides, Beaumont Music shares her frustration: “I live in Sussex, crawl at under 2 MB down, and can’t upload—thanks, 4G. I hopped on Ofcom’s USO scheme and got the short end of the stick. It felt more like a polite nod than a real upgrade.”
Bottom Line
Full‑fibre broadband isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a lifeline for tiny businesses that drive the nation’s economy. The call to action is clear: the UK Government must commit to leaving no spot, rural or otherwise, behind. Let’s bring the future online and give SMEs the bandwidth they deserve!
