Big questions on broadband won’t go away

After an almost week-long PR effort, the government will reflect that while the National Broadband Plan faces fierce opposition in many quarters (including within parts of the civil service), a decision has been made, and within a few months a precious contract will be finally signed and shovels can be put in the ground.

At that point, the clamour may quieten, senior cabinet ministers may well conclude. But this should not obscure the ...