Core receiver to help with universal broadband says Burnham

The use of core set-top boxes as another way for the government to reach the goal of providing universal broadband running at 2Mbps has been picked up as a possible tool to allow this to take place.

Recent proposals by Lord Carter to provide everyone in the UK with speeds of at least 2Mbps as laid out in his Digital Britain report could be helped along with the implementation of broadband ready core set-top boxes according to Andy Burnham the culture minister.

The Broadcasting Press Guild was told by Burnham “There is the potential for the switchover programme to empower people in that way through looking at the core receiver requirements. The 10% who haven’t switched off probably don’t have broadband either.”

Before Project Canvas is complete both Freesat and Freeview will most likely take an interest in this latest idea from Burnham as they are both considering the provision of a broadband connection with their set-top units. Whoever qualifies under the Digital Switchover Help Scheme will be the first to receive the core set-top box.

The BBC has been working towards playing a major part in the digital switchover recently and for this reason the final release of the Digital Britain report will most likely be proposing that it also be given the role of championing broadband within the UK.

The current preference by the government with regards to the provision of broadband in the UK has been heavily weighted towards the delivery of a universal broadband service throughout the country rather than higher-speed broadband connections said Burnham.

He did add, however, that once the universal broadband service had been rolled out the government would most likely be working towards faster broadband connection speeds nationally.

Once the final report has been issued by Lord Carter, new legislation will be put forward by Burnham that he expects will bring further discussion regarding the future of UK broadband.

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com