Online retailers to be helped by government broadband plans

Industry experts believe that online retailers will be helped as a result of the recent plans and proposals that have been put forward by the government with regards to the UK’s broadband.

Recent plans that have been outlined in a report that was released by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and has been met with mixed reviews from industry officials, groups, and Internet service providers. The plans relate to the way the government plans to deal with broadband rollout in the UK to ensure that we have the best network in Europe by 2015.

Some industry officials have said that the plans are likely to be a real boom for online retailers, and will help them to realise more in terms of profits and transactions. Around eight hundred and thirty million pounds have been earmarked for the proposals, and many people in rural areas could benefit, as they currently have limited or no access to broadband.

An official from the research company Ovum said: “It’s difficult to quantify as even those consumers without fixed broadband may be accessing the web via mobile broadband. However, we would estimate at least 20 per cent of the population either can’t or more importantly choose not to access the internet.”

An IMRG official added: “Broadband speeds for rural areas and villages could well have a positive effect on the e-retail industry, giving more people access to shopping from home at speeds that greatly increase convenience and usability. Slow connections can have a negative impact on the trust that consumers have at the checkout, when low speeds can make the session appear to ‘hang’ at times.”

Do you think the broadband plans will help the retail industry? Let us know with your comments

Source – Retail Gazette