A report from Ovum shows that the UK now has more
extensive broadband availability than any other G7
nation.
The UK headed the table for availability of affordable broadband
services in Q3 2004; knocking Japan off the top spot for the first
time since tracking began in 2001.
However, in terms of competitiveness, including consumer choice,
price and regulatory issues, the report shows that the UK remains
in third place – Japan retains the pole position, with Canada at
number two.
The report is good news for the government’s stated aim of
having the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the
UK by 2005, although there is still work to be done in terms of
improving consumer choice and pricing.
Mike O’Brien, the UK’s e-commerce minister, said that the report
shows that the UK’s aim of being the best place in the world for
e-business is fast becoming a reality.
In his opening statement to last week’s ASEM conference, he
stated that broadband is now available to 96% of UK households,
and more than six million people have already subscribed to
broadband services.
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