09 Mar 2010

Broadband benefits for all

The introduction of next-generation broadband services will benefit everyone in the UK, it has been claimed.

Shane Wright, technical director for eDigitalResearch, said companies will be able to access and transfer information faster, while households will have greater access to the internet, as well as improved download speeds.

In addition, the service will help bridge the divide between the wealthy and those who are less well off, he noted.

Mr Wright commented: "Pervasive access to the internet through fast connections benefits everyone. For rural people it aids local communication and enables internet-based provision of services, information and delivery."

According to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) initiative will drive forward the universal service commitment to deliver 2Mbps to every household by 2012.

In addition, BDUK will also manage the spend of the £1 billion Next Generation Fund to deliver next generation broadband to 90 per cent of the country by 2017.