ADSL Broadband
Best Broadband
Cable Broadband
Free Broadband
Fastest Broadband
20Mb Broadband
50Mb Broadband
Fibre-Optic Broadband
Will the government meet its broadband target?
Monday 14th December 2009, by Daniel King
The government's plans to upgrade the UK's internet infrastructure by the end of 2017 could create some 600,000 new jobs and add £18 billion to the annual gross domestic product in the process, according to NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts).
In his Pre-Budget Report, the chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling said he wants to provide 90 per cent of the population with a new generation of super-fast broadband by the end of 2017. This scheme will be funded by a monthly 50p tax on UK landlines.
The internet is a strong driver of economic growth, says Jon Kingsbury, programme director of NESTA's creative economy team.
"Web applications, services and platforms improve productivity and make it easier for businesses to collaborate and access new markets via digital distribution and online retail. Internet access increases consumer choice and strengthens competition."
A connected society, he continues, will offer significant possibilities for public services and local communities, especially in terms of online healthcare, education and entertainment.
In addition to GP's being able to treat patients online, students could benefit from remote learning and consumers could find new content for leisure purposes.
According to figures published by ONS (Office for National Statistics), 70 per cent of UK households (18.3 million households) had internet access in 2009, which represents an increase of almost two million households (11 per cent) from the previous year. London enjoyed the highest level of access (80 per cent), while Scotland experienced the lowest level at 62 per cent.
Categories: Broadband
