Issues discussed at broadband forum

A number of issues have been addressed at the recent Eforum called The Future of Broadband in the UK, which was held last week.

A recent Eforum was held called The Future of Broadband in the UK, and according to reports a number of issues were discussed as part of the Eforum, which included the recently announced Digital Economy Bill. Discussions over next generation broadband in the UK also formed a major part of the event.

Officials from the Broadband Stakeholders Group spoke about the rollout of next generation broadband at the event, stating that a lot still needs to be done for the rollout to be a success. One official from the group said: “We are facing some serious challenges in this country, and it is vital that ICT is able to meet these. Sustained economic growth, cutting government costs and lowering carbon emissions can all be stimulated with next-generation broadband access.”

He added: “A national deployment of broadband could cost anywhere between £5 billion and £28 billion depending on whether fibre-to-the-cabinet or fibre-to-the-home networks are installed, and yet there are still many uncertainties over the business benefits of installing such a network.”

He went on to state: “The Labour government appears to be taking a nuts and bolts approach to the issue with its offer of direct investment and the proposed 50 pence tax levy on fixed phone lines. The Conservatives, by contrast, seem to favour a ‘market mechanisms’ approach, allowing market forces to dictate the take up in areas where the need for high-speed broadband is required, and hope that demand will then exceed current expectations. As such they seem happy to sort the rural issue out later.”

Source – The Inquirer