BT Calls On Government To Back New Broadband Target

BT has called on the Government and the industry to get behind its target of achieving one hundred percent broadband coverage for every UK community by 2005.

The telecomms giant already makes mass market broadband available to more than 80% of British households and is set to upgrade its internet exchanges to serve 90% of the population by the end of next year.

However, BT has today announced plans to introduce broadband technology in a further 2,300 exchanges when demand reaches a specially determined trigger levels. The move will provide a further 2 million homes and businesses with high-speed internet access and could help Broadband Britain become a reality by 2005.

Commenting on the initiative, Ben Verwaayen, BT Group chief executive, said: “Setting out this clear and achievable goal for the industry will energise the market to the benefit of everyone. Our industry has a huge role to play to accelerate broadband availability, demand and take-up.”

The move has been welcomed by industry watchdog, Oftel, which said that the goal of 100% broadband coverage is good news for small businesses wishing to maximise the benefits of trading on the internet and for consumers wanting faster access with more advanced services.

Oftel predicts that one million customers are likely to upgrade to broadband services over the next twelve months – a stronger growth rate than both France and Germany (see More Than 12 Million UK Households Now Online).

However, recent research suggests that the drive towards Broadband Britain is in danger of stalling as consumers become increasingly confused and angry over the rising tide of spam, viruses and pop-up advertising (see Dark Side Of Internet Keeps Broadband Britain At Bay).

BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.co.uk

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