Broadband for all by 2012
Every home in Britain should have a broadband connection by 2012 according to Lord Carter’s interim Digital Britain report, published today.
The report, which contains a 22-point action plan, also reveals that the government is to set out a digital migration plan for radio that involves taking the majority of listening from FM to DAB as soon as possible, in line with the Digital Radio Working Group’s recommendations (see Digital radio switchover by 2017).
The plan will include criteria which will need to be satisfied before migration can begin. These should be: that 50% of radio listening is to digital platforms; when national DAB coverage is comparable to FM coverage and local DAB reaches 90% of the population and all major roads.
RAJAR figures for Q4 2008, released earlier today, show that listening via DAB hit 114 million hours, while ownership of DAB sets was up one percentage point period on period (see DAB enjoys rise in listening hours).
RadioCentre, the industry body for commercial adio, welcomed the plans for DAB. Andrew Harrison, chief executive of RadioCentre, said: “We welcome today’s Digital Britain interim report and share its ambitions for a digital future for radio. The report offers a real opportunity to secure a viable digital plan for radio.”
The delivery of broadband to all homes will be done using a mixture of fixed, mobile and wireless technology, according to the report, with the service running at “up to” 2Mb.
The report also backed a possible tie-up between Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide, instead of a merger with Channel Five.
Although Carter said he would not make a firm comment on Channel 4 until the final report in June, he did say that a new body would have public service at its heart and that it “makes sense to begin by looking at public sector bodies Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide”.
The report’s suggestions chime with those laid out in Ofcom’s public service broadcasting blueprint, published last week (see Ofcom rejects top-slicing the BBC’s funding).
Carter, minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, said: “The innovation, creativity and vitality of our communications industries rightly demand clarity from government on its role and a framework for the future.”
He added: “Delivering Digital Britain will depend upon a smart industry, working with a committed Government to produce lasting solutions.”
Business secretary Peter Mandelson said: “This report sets out a strategy for building a knowledge economy where our most valuable assets are the skills and innovation that underpin our digital industries. This is absolutely vital if Britain is to benefit fully from some of the greatest economic opportunities on offer this century.”
The report also targets 2012 as the date by which Britain should hold “a world leading position in the communications and creative industries”.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport: www.culture.gov.uk