Economist downplays 4G benefits

Economist Intelligence Unit, the research and analysis off-shot of the Economist Group, has stated that superfast broadband is unlikely to deliver the rapid returns for the UK economy that have been predicted.

Just yesterday EE, formerly known as Everything Everywhere, launched their exclusive range of 4G products and services across the country.

It warns there needs to be a “dose of reality” about short term benefits.The report, called Superfast Britain? Myths and realities about the UK’s broadband future, argues that existing networks are capable of delivering many of the anticipated new services over the next few years.

There were also warnings that there were barriers to even deploying the existing technology capabilities that include a scarcity of digital skills and embedded resistance to change, although it predicts that there will be some short-term stimulus to jobs and economic activity.

Almost £1 billion in state funds has been allocated to help accelerate superfast network development, which aims to boost national broadband speeds to more than 24 megabits per second by 2015.

You can read more about the report at Advanced Television.