Partner Article

Government declares 'broadband for all'

The government has pledged that every home in Britain will have access to 2 megabits per second broadband by 2012.

This will be achieved using £200 million in public funds left over from the digital switchover help scheme.

The proposal formed part of the Government’s wide-ranging Digital Britain report, which made recommendations on everything from how local news should be provided to supporting the UK’s computer games industry.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw told MPs that a “small levy” would be established on all fixed telephone lines to establish an independent national fund to ensure “maximum next generation broadband coverage”.

Sarah Green, Regional Director of the CBI North East said: “The government needs to deliver public services much more efficiently, and today’s report recognises that next-generation broadband has an important role to play. It could help transform services in areas ranging from health to the criminal justice system.

“The government should put in place the right conditions so that the private sector can lead the way in making essential investments in next-generation, higher-speed broadband.

“The government should also improve digital literacy so that everyone can be part of a digital Britain.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .