The government needs to implement its 2mbps universal
broadband commitment by 2012, stimulate investment in
next-generation broadband, and promote digital participation,
theCommunications
Consumer Panelsaid this morning.
The panel said its research showed that soon broadband would be
essential for everyone. However, it also warned that
four in 10 people did not see the need, and were unlikely to
use broadband even if it were available.
Responding to the Digital Britain report, the panel said it had
been arguing for fast, reliable broadband for everyone in the UK;
action to stimulate investment in next-generation super-fast
broadband, especially for people the market will not otherwise
reach; and a strong commitment to get people online and get the
most from it.
Panel chairman Anna Bradley said, "The challenge for government
now is to deliver the full package of measures set out in Digital
Britain."
She said left to itself the market would only serve around
two-thirds of the population. "To maximise the benefits for the
economy and society, next-generation broadband needs to be
available to everyone."
Bradley said broadband could be used to deliver public services
in innovative new ways and could improve the quality and depth of
interaction between citizens and government.
The panel welcomed a planned social marketing programme and
called for it to link to the delivery of services to the six
million people most at risk of social and digital exclusion.