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The UK’s Universal Service Obligation (USO): Can You Get 10Mbps broadband?

By Top Providers Published

For millions in rural and remote parts of the UK, slow or non-existent broadband isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to modern life. The government’s solution? The Universal Service Obligation (USO).

But what exactly is the USO, and can it really guarantee you a decent broadband connection? This guide breaks down the facts, the process, and the reality of getting 10Mbps broadband through the scheme.

What is the Universal Service Obligation (USO)?

Introduced in March 2020, the USO is a legal right that gives every home and business in the UK the right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection.

It’s important to understand what it is not. It is not an automatic rollout of broadband to every property. Instead, it is a request-based scheme that you must actively apply for if your current connection is poor.

The Key USO Requirements: Speed and Price

The USO is built on two core promises:

  1. Speed: The right to a connection that can provide download speeds of at least 10 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps.

  2. Price: The cost of providing this connection must be “reasonable,” with a cap of £3,400 per property for the installation. If the cost exceeds this, you may have to cover the difference.

Are You Eligible? The 3 Key Criteria

You can only make a USO request if you meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Your current broadband speed is less than 10 Mbps.

    • You must provide evidence of this through speed tests. It’s not enough to just feel like your internet is slow.

  2. No provider has plans to bring a decent broadband connection to your address in the next 12 months.

    • This is checked by the USO provider when you apply.

  3. You do not have access to a fixed wireless access (4G/5G) or satellite service that already meets the 10/1 Mbps speed criteria.

    • If you can get a 4G hub that provides 10Mbps, you may not be eligible, even if you prefer a fixed line.

The Step-by-Step Process: How to Make a USO Request

If you believe you’re eligible, here is the process:

  1. Gather Evidence: Conduct multiple speed tests at different times of the day using a wired connection (not Wi-Fi) to prove your speed is consistently below 10Mbps. Ofcom’s official speed test is a good tool for this.

  2. Submit a Request: You must contact a USO Provider directly. The two designated providers are:

    • BT (for most of the UK)

    • KCOM (for the Hull and East Yorkshire region)

  3. The Provider’s Assessment: The provider will then:

    • Verify your speed evidence.

    • Check if any other network (like a rival fibre company) has plans to serve your property.

    • Survey your property to determine the cost of installing a new connection.

  4. The Outcome:

    • Scenario A (Cost < £3,400): The provider will install the new connection at no cost to you.

    • Scenario B (Cost > £3,400): You will be given a quote and can choose to pay the excess cost to have the work done. You are not obligated to pay.

    • Scenario C (Alternative Solution): The provider may determine that a fixed wireless (4G/5G) or satellite solution is a viable and cheaper alternative that meets the speed requirement.

The Reality Check: Pros and Cons of the USO

The Advantages (The Pros):

  • It’s a Legal Right: It provides a last-resort option for those who have been completely left behind.

  • Can Trigger Investment: For some, it may be the only way to get a usable connection.

The Disadvantages (The Cons & Criticisms):

  • It’s a Request, Not a Promise: The “universal” name is misleading. You have to know about it and apply.

  • The Speed is Already Outdated: 10Mbps is considered the minimum for a modern household. With multiple people streaming, working, or studying from home, this speed is often inadequate.

  • The Cost Cap is a Major Hurdle: For the most remote properties, installation costs can run into tens of thousands of pounds. The £3,400 cap means many residents face a huge bill they cannot afford.

  • It Doesn’t Prioritise “Full Fibre”: The USO is about delivering the minimum speed, not necessarily a future-proofed full-fibre (FTTP) connection. You might be provided with an upgraded copper line (FTTC) instead.

What Are Your Alternatives?

Before going through the USO process, explore these options:

  1. Check for Alternative Network Providers (“AltNets”): Companies like CityFibre, Gigaclear, or B4RN are building new full-fibre networks in many rural areas. Check their postcode checkers directly.

  2. 4G or 5G Home Broadband: For many, a 4G/5G router with a good signal can provide speeds far exceeding 10Mbps. This is often a faster and cheaper solution.

  3. Satellite Broadband (e.g., Starlink): New low-earth orbit satellite services offer high-speed, low-latency internet almost anywhere. The equipment cost is high, but it bypasses the infrastructure problem entirely.

  4. Community Fibre Projects: In some areas, communities have banded together to fund and build their own fibre networks.

Final Verdict

The USO is a vital safety net, but it is a last resort, not a first port of call.

It has succeeded in helping some of the hardest-to-reach properties get online. However, its outdated speed target and the potential for high costs mean it is not the silver bullet many hoped for.

Your action plan should be:

  1. Test your speeds thoroughly.

  2. Exhaust all commercial options (AltNets, 4G, satellite).

  3. If all else fails, and you are prepared for potential costs, submit a formal USO request to BT or KCOM.