US puts broadband on par with water and power

The White House says broadband is now a "core utility" - putting it on the same level as power and water.

A report by the Broadband Opportunity Commission - overseen by the Oval Office - says a fast internet connection has now switched from being an "optional amenity to a core utility".

That means broadband networks are likely to get increased political attention, and more importantly - increased funding.

With 51 million Americans experiencing download speeds of less than 25 Mbps (megabits per second) - a sixth of the population - $10bn is expected to be spent on federal programmes to fix it.

The money will help fund projects to improve web connections to health clinics and recreation centres around the country.

The funding will also be used to streamline the process for granting permits for new broadband networks.

Some 84% of Americans are now online, up from 76% five years ago.

In July, the US government launched a programme in 27 cities to connect 275,000 low-income households to the internet.

Carriers currently must ensure speeds of 10 Mbps when they accept government funding, however this is likely to be raised to 25 Mbps in future.

(Sky News)