Government to develop broadband strategy

The government has agreed to develop a strategy for rolling out next-generation broadband networks, which will consider best practice from high-speed broadband pilot schemes and outline the business benefits of investing in high-speed networks.

The agreement was made at a broadband summit chaired by Competitiveness Minister Stephen Timms and attended by leaders from the broadband industry.

The government believes that ultra-fast broadband will be a key technology for Britain and wishes it to be available across the UK.

Around 50 percent of UK homes are connected to broadband, but the government wants to ensure that the country does not fall behind other countries in Europe where ultra-fast networks are being built to deliver speeds of 100 Mbps.