Intelligent Communications Update
ComputerActive Broadband Campaign
The campaign by computer magazine ComputerActive for more accurate advertising of broadband speeds is gathering pace. Thousands of subscribers and various MP’s have given their names to the on-line petition. Nearly two thirds of broadband subscribers report speeds way below that advertised by their ISP. Ofcom have also given a response saying that whereas speed is not a high profile problem for them they will look at it informally.
You can join the campaign at www.computeractive.co.uk/campaign
Virgin Media Travels Faster
Virgin Media are to trial a 10 Mbps broadband in Preston, Wigan and Blackpool this week, the trial will last fro several weeks.
However, BT in the debate over their next generation broadband network claim they are yet to be convinced that there is sufficient demand to justify the investment. It echoes hints Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards made at the launch of its consultation last week that it might be worth holding off and seeing how other countries fared with ultra-fast broadband rather than charging ahead.
The UK is currently 9th in the European broadband speed table with an average speed of 2.6 Mbps against Finland and Sweden who boast 21.7 Mbps and 18.2 Mbps respectively.
Are You Paying Too Much To BT for Your Business Calls?
In a very competitive voice market a large number of small businesses are still paying far too much for their land line calls by routing them through BT. Currently BT’s Option 1 package offers calls at 2.6p per min for both National and Local calls capped for first 60 minutes at 5p for land line calls and 25p for calls to mobiles. Mobile calls are charged at 10p there is a 2p connection charge for land line calls and 7p connection for calls to mobiles. To qualify you must spend at least £500 per year (approx £42 per month) on calls, remember that is calls it does not include line rental and/or VAT. Even the smallest business can easily save on these prices and get national and local calls at 1.3p per minute and calls to mobiles at 9p per minute there is still a 5P cap on calls up to 60 mins for land line calls and 25p. cap for calls to mobiles. You can even save 10% on your line rental costs and still have BT service your line in the event of a fault occurring.
For full details drop an email to commsIQ at telsave@fsbdial.co.uk after all it is your profit bottom line that is effected.
Avoid the Broadband Tax Trap
Do you carry out work at home either as a director or an employee which uses your broadband link? So how can you and your company avoid paying tax and NI contributions on your claim for expenses.
If you get a cash allowance toward your Internet costs related to work both employer and employee pays income tax and NI.
If the bill is made out to the company instead of the individual, the employee is taxed on the connection charge plus VAT no NI that is true but the company has to pay employers NI on this benefit-in-kind. Also some providers do not allow a company billed connection at a domestic address.
New Solution:
Charge your company “rent” for its use of your “home Office”, remember to include services in this rental charge. The company get a tax reduction for the rent paid (unless it is excessive!). And if rental income is matched by your expenses, you will have a zero tax bill.
CAUTION: Make sure the space you dedicate as “Home Office” is common ground i.e. the whole family have access this way you will not be liable to CGT on the “Home Office” when you come to sell your home.
Editor’s note: Every effort has been made by the editor that all information in previous, this and future updates are for information purposes only and are accurate at the time of writing, but the editor cannot accept responsibility for any loss or liability perceived to have arisen from any such information, legal and professional advice should be sought at all times.