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Government to review path to next generation broadband

The Business and Competitiveness Minister, Shriti Vadera has launched an independent review into next generation broadband networks.

There was much debate last year about the state of the UK’s broadband infrastructure as it does not compare well to many other nations that have speeds from 50 to 100Mbps.

Last year, the former Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms, announced that the UK needed to move towards high-speed broadband networks, or the UK may fall behind in economic competitiveness.

Amongst other things, the review will focus on how the Government may help to fund investment, possibly looking at public sector involvement if appropriate.  It will also examine any issues arising out of using new investment models due to collaboration between content and infrastructure companies, and how to best manage the relationships.

The Government will also continue to work closely with the Broadband Stakeholders Group (BSG), their leading advisory group on broadband.  The BSG produced a report last April 2007 entitled “Pipe Dreams”, and it set out recommendations for action on next generation broadband.  The new Government review will pick up on many of these recommendations, including the investment and infrastructure points mentioned.

The review is also said to complement the current Ofcom consultation on NGA (Next Generation Access) policy, which Ofcom launched in September 2007.  Ofcom will continue to develop new proposals for regulation under the existing framework.  Exactly what Ofcom’s role is in what the Government is trying to achieve isn’t that clear.

Governement Minister, Shriti Vadera said: “The way we will do business, access many government services, as well as information and entertainment, will change beyond recognition over our lifetime. New technologies will push the boundaries of today’s communications infrastructure.

“We must be ready to respond to future technological developments, which will place unprecedented challenges for our communications networks over the coming decade.”

Kip Meek, Chairman of the BSG, welcomed the review.  “This is the right announcement at the right time. The BSG has stressed the importance of building an evidence base that permits more informed decision-making on the various policy, commercial and regulatory issues,” said Meek.  “The review addresses some of the BSG’s central concerns about next generation broadband and we’ll be fully engaged to support its work.”

Meek warned however that the level of investment required in moving to NGA will be greater than the original investment that allowed the shift from Narrowband (Dial-up) to Broadband networks.

“Government must play its part in creating the right framework to enable timely and efficient investment”, Meek added.

Related links

• Government investigates path to next generation broadband