Government Unveils Broadband Initiatives

The Government has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to boost the uptake of broadband services in the UK.

E-commerce Minister Douglas Alexander, has outlined the Government’s strategy to “map out a route forward for the UK’s broadband industry.” The strategy highlights the need for increased competition in the broadband market and proposes a joint Government/industry marketing campaign to promote the advantages of broadband services.

The Government also plans to emphasise the use of broadband in delivering public services such as education and intends to encourage the rollout of broadband in rural areas through infrastructure sharing.

Alexander said: “The UK is one of the world leaders in e-commerce. This strategy will help us to build on this success for the broadband sector, but there is no individual measure which, on its own, is the answer. What is needed is a comprehensive approach which tackles both supply and demand for broadband services.”

Alexander also urged businesses to take advantage of Government tax breaks which can reduce the cost of connecting to broadband. He said: “Too many people in the sector don’t realise that there are a number of relevant initiatives including tax relief on establishing an maintaining broadband connections.”

The strategy is part of the Government’s response to the first report by the Broadband Stakeholders’ group, which was set up to advise the Government on how to increase the uptake of broadband in the UK.

Around 9 million homes in the UK currently have broadband, a figure which is predicted to rise to 11.6 million by the end of next year (see NTL Teams With Telewest).

DTI: 020 7215 5000 www.dti.gov.uk

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