22 February 2008
The government has announced plans to investigate how the UK will move to the next generation of high-speed broadband.
Business and Competitiveness Minister Shriti Vadera announced the review today saying that the next generation high speed broadband will be essential for the UK's future economic success.
The next generation of ultra fast broadband will offer speeds of up to 100Mbps or more and the government wants to identify any barriers to such a service being rolled out across the UK.
Shriti Vadera said: "The way we will do business, access many government services, as well as information and entertainment, will change beyond recognition over our lifetime. New technologies will push the boundaries of today's communications infrastructure.
"That is why we need to look ahead to the future now. We need to prepare the way for the UK to adopt groundbreaking new technologies to ensure that we do not get left behind - competitively or technologically."
Broadband companies are already starting to develop high speed services, for example: Virgin Media's 50 Mbps pilot in Ashford, and BT's plans for a 100 Mbps fibre network to homes in Ebbsfleet.
Welcoming the announcement, Kip Meek, Chairman of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) said: "This is the right announcement at the right time. The review addresses some of the BSG's central concerns about next generation broadband and we'll be fully engaged to support its work."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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