Super-fast broadband services may be rolled out across the UK much faster, under government proposals to intervene in the broadband industry.

Minister for competitiveness Stephen Timms told a meeting of the Broadband Stakeholder Group to look at the role of the government in providing next-generation broadband services.

Mr Timms said it was one of his "personal priorities" to ensure that the UK keeps up-to-date with the latest broadband technology, while adding that he would like to see an "open exchange" between the government, the industry and regulator Ofcom to plan future developments.

He added: "Today we face a new challenge. Other countries are starting to invest in new, fibre-based infrastructure, delivering considerably higher bandwidth than is available in the UK today. It is essential that the UK undertakes timely deployment of technology - we can't lag behind."

Virgin Media is currently advertising for applicants for a trial scheme in Kent which will see 50 Mb broadband supplied to residential customers for £49 per month.

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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