CBI calls on government to make accessible 3G a priority

Broadband has become a crucial commodity in the world today, not just for personal purposes but also for many businesses. So it would only make sense that the CBI would pledge their support to a broadband campaign in Scotland to push for the introduction of a business-centred superfast broadband plan.

The goal of the broadband plan is to make the digital divide between Scotland and the UK smaller.

Iain McMillan, the CBI’s Scottish director, said: “The availability of next generation broadband services is essential to the success of business and the economy.”

Now the organisation is urging the UK government to make fully accessible 3G a priority. The CBI asserted that 3G should be made an “immediate priority” through the communications sector in a paper called Blazing a Trail. Through the same report, the CBI asserted that the postponed 4G auctions should be held by the end of this year. Ofcom had called for the postponement of the auctions amid various negative reactions from many sectors in the industry.

Although the CBI report said that the preservation of competition was “imperative,” it also said that both businesses and consumers need access to the fastest available broadband speeds as well

Part of the report read: “To remain globally competitive it is first necessary to ensure that our 3G service is robust and accessible, particularly in regions of the UK where a good broadband connection is still patchy at best.”

CBI deputy director Neil Bentley said: “We need the Government to think big in its forthcoming Communications Bill. Our communications sector needs a framework in place that will enable and encourage innovation, with a clear and consistent approach to regulations.”