House of Lords calls for internet TV

The House of Lords suggested on Thursday that all TV channels should now be transmitted through the internet, in order to free up much needed spectrum for other users.

This change could potentially mean any TV connected to the internet would benefit from an unlimited choice of channels. However, critics argue that Britain’s broadband speed would have to significantly increase nationwide in order to cope with an increase in demand.

Current government targets promise that everyone will be able to get 2Mbps by 2015, with 90% getting 24Mbps. But a six month investigation by the House of Lords highlighted the danger of a “two-speed Britain”.

The government has been urged to scrap its speed targets and concentrate on ensuring everyone is connected to the internet by fibre-optic broadband.