Broadband Delivery UK launched to drive next-gen broadband

Both the Fund and the Commitment formed a key part of the 2009 Digital Britain whitepaper, with the ensuing Digital Economy Bill currently being debated in the House of Lords. The Universal Service Commitment aims to deliver 2Mpbs broadband across the country by 2012, whilst the Next Generation Fund aims to help deliver super-fast broadband to 90% of the UK population by 2017.

 

The BDUK has been launched as a major report forecasting the future reach of next generation broadband across the UK is published by the Government, which aims to inform public authorities looking to invest in superfast broadband. The report will also be considered by BDUK in prioritising the communities who could benefit from the Next Generation Fund.

 

“Taking advantage of new technologies like next generation broadband is vital to the growth of the UK’s economy and it’s important that all homes and businesses can access the opportunities faster speeds bring,” explained Stephen Timms, minister for Digital Britain. “This report makes clear that without public intervention, some rural areas and less well off communities will be left behind and unable to reap the economic, health and education benefits superfast broadband offers. Our proposed £1 billion Next Generation Fund will help bring the benefits of super fast broadband to more communities. 

 

“We do not want to risk the digital gap widening, which is why we have put a team of experts in place to ensure further investment is targeted at those people without adequate access.” 

 

“The availability of next generation broadband to rural communities and businesses is vital for their growth and social links,” said rural affairs minister, Dan Norri. “The research published today will help public bodies and BDUK identify what areas need attention so that solutions can be developed for these communities to benefit from faster broadband services by 2017.”

 

Minister for Regional Economic Coordination, Rosie Winterton, said it was next-generation broadband was “crucial” if disadvantaged communities were to become more prosperous. "To be successful we will need effective cooperation at regional level in these areas and I am pleased to see that this research recognises the great contribution that Yorkshire Forward's Digital Region strategy will make in safeguarding the future of South Yorkshire,” Winterton added.

 

Research from the report supports the effectiveness of Government’s proposed Next Generation Fund in the form of a 50p monthly duty on all fixed lines in increasing next generation broadband coverage to 90% of the population by 2017 – 20% more than predicted if left to an entirely market-led approach. The so-called ‘Broadband Tax’ has been hotly debated in the Lords, and it’s unclear whether the levy will make it onto the final version of the Digital Economy Bill.