25 February 2009
Ofcom Chairman-Elect Collette Bowe believes broadband is a "basic need" for UK consumers.
The representative from the regulator, who was speaking at the Communication Managers' Association Conference this week, claimed that it is an important element of people's lives.
"To say it is like supplying clean water or sewage removal may be overstating its importance, but not by much," she explained.
Ms Bowe revealed that one of her highest priorities when she takes on the Chairman role at Ofcom later this year is to call on communications providers to roll out broadband for every person in the UK.
She also commended Stephen Carter for putting the issue on the government's agenda via the interim Digital Britain report.
Her comments come after Ashley Highfield, Managing Director and Vice-President of consumer and online UK at Microsoft, said broadband has become an essential service.
Mr Highfield suggested that the families are not giving up their fast-internet connections despite the current economic crisis.