Government thinktank frets over Broadband take up

By Alun Williams

Posted on 22 Jan 2004 at 12:55

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) has produced its third annual report, examining the state of broadband in 2004 and looking ahead to next generation broadband services.

The BSG is a government advisory group advises that 'new targets should be set' and 'clear milestones' before 2010.

More specifically, the report highlights five areas for attention. These include a focus on providing broadband services 'that add real value to people's lives and the way in which organisations work' as a means of stimulating demand in the broadband market, and to encourage investment by operators in 'next generation' broadband infrastructures.

The group is also concerned about the growing 'digital divide' and asks that government makes sure 'that the low paid, the elderly and the disadvantaged are encouraged to adopt broadband', particularly through the development of better online public services.

The BSG also believes that the DTI needs to do more to make the most of the media content produced in the UK, such as from the likes of the BBC. And, finally, that building 'pervasive broadband environments', where users can choose the most appropriate type of connectivity, will further encourage market growth.

You can read the full third annual report from BSG on its website.

BT said it welcomed the BSG report, describing it as 'a valuable paper'. Its chief broadband officer, Alison Ritchie, said BT was already in discussion with Ofcom regarding the issues highlighted by the report

'Central to these is the constantly evolving nature of the broadband market,' said Ritchie. 'People may focus on DSL and cable at the moment but broadband is much more than these two services. It will soon include 3G, satellite, Wi-Fi and other wireless services. This is a fast moving environment and it is vital that Ofcom acts with these future developments in mind.'

Ritchie also looked to the government to provide more support for operators, claiming that new networks for faster broadband services will require huge investment from the likes of BT.

'This is particularly the case in the UK where the private sector carries the burden of such investment,' she said. 'The challenge is to create an environment in which industry leaders feel justified in making investments and investors are confident they will reap the appropriate rewards. It is this particular topic that BT will continue to raise with Ofcom in the coming months.'

BT maintains that ADSL broadband would soon be available from exchanges serving 90 per cent of UK homes and businesses.