To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the likely costs of implementing a universal service obligation on communications providers to ensure all customer requests for broadband connections are met. (156451)

No such assessment has been made.

The EU Commission is reviewing the scope and future of universal service in 2008 and we expect to consult widely with all stakeholders in preparing the UK's response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what discussions he has had with Ofcom and the communications industry about a universal service obligation which would include broadband as well as narrowband services. (156452)

No such discussions have taken place. Two UK telephone operators have a universal service obligation (USO); BT and Kingston Communications.

The EU Commission is reviewing the scope and future of universal service in 2008 and we plan to consult widely, including with Ofcom and the communications industry in preparing the UK's response.