UK phone line tax going ahead

By Nate Lanxon on 23 September 2009, 4:32pm

You're closer than ever to being taxed £6 per year to keep your phone line. Government plans to tax the UK population to help pay for broadband in rural and poorer areas have moved forwards, in another giant leap for mankind's cash.

The BBC reports that Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain, has confirmed that the proposed 'broadband tax law' would be pushed through Parliament prior to the next general election.

The controversial plan essentially boils down to this: you pay 50p per month more for your copper phone line (not cable), and the estimated £175m it raises will be funnelled into giving more of Britain's population access to faster Internet.

This is needed, apparently, to help users on slow connections access future public services, which will be delivered via the Web. But it could ultimately see the government demanding even more public money, at a time of deep recession, severe job losses and nationwide cutbacks.

But we're only one voice, and want to know what you think. BT is likely to get more business as a result of more people getting broadband, so should it be coughing up this £175m? Let us know any of your thoughts in the comments.