Press & PR

UK businesses could lose out if Britain's outdated phone system is not updated, a telecoms industry expert has warned.

Broadband services in countries including France, Japan and South Korea run at far higher speeds than those in the UK, which comparison website Broadband Choices suggested could endanger British company's position in the marketplace.

"It definitely will have an impact on small businesses, especially as the amount of data that we look to transfer increases in size," said Michael Phillips, product director for Broadband Choices.

"I am working from home today and I have lost 20 per cent of my productivity because of slow connections."

Mr Phillips argued that the £15 billion spent on the London Crossrail link could be matched by a similar investment in faster carbon fibre broadband countrywide, which would provide support for businesses across the UK.

Faster broadband services boost the potential of internet-based communications services, such as those offered by Vonage.

Free voice calls across the UK and Ireland for just £5.99 a month could be made clearer and quicker to set up if broadband speeds are improved.