This article discusses how over the past 10 years, small and medium businesses (SMEs) have experienced huge changes to the way they do business, with almost everything requiring a level of online interaction. However, when it comes to broadband, SMEs are left feeling the brunt of bureaucratic red tape, complicated contracts and a general lack of transparency from the service providers. According to a Federation of Small Businesses study carried out last year, 94 per cent of businesses feel that a reliable internet connection is critical to the success of their business. Yet, time and time again, studies have shown that London has some of the slowest broadband speeds in Europe. Research by Ericsson, Arthur D. Little and the Chalmers University of Technology has shown that when the broadband speed for an economy doubles, GDP increases by 0.3 per cent as a direct result. The research suggests that if this is to become a reality, then service providers need to make a step-change towards making reliable broadband accessible, less complicated and less expensive.