10 November 2008
Investment from both the private and public sectors will be needed to provide the UK with super-fast broadband, the communications watchdog has said.
According to Ofcom, while the private sector is expected to foot most of the bill, it should not be expected to "put money into areas where there isn't a sensible business case".
Roger Darlington, a member of the regulator's Consumer Panel, said there is a need to look at "the political factors that would encourage the private sector to invest as much as possible, but also what a mix of investment involves".
Deploying next generation broadband in the UK is expected to cost around £15 billion.
According to Ofcom's consultation on delivering super-fast broadband, a range of different technologies will be required to supply such services - including fibre, satellite, cable, fixed wireless and mobile wireless.
It found that 58% of UK homes now have broadband connections.