Government starts work on next generation broadband

The government has announced that work has begun on delivering fast broadband to most of the country.

A new body, Broadband Delivery UK, will drive forward the commitment to bringing 2MB speeds to every household and business by 2012, while a £1 billion Next Generation Fund will aim to bring superfast services to 90 per cent of the country by 2017.

In an announcement on Thursday (March 4th), Digital Britain minister Stephen Timms said that it was clear government intervention is needed to ensure everyone benefits from superfast internet access.

He added: "Taking advantage of new technologies like next generation broadband is vital to the growth of the UK’s economy and it’s important that all homes and businesses can access the opportunities faster speeds bring."

A report has also been published by the government to help local authorities decide how to implement plans and to work out which communities will need the most assistance in ensuring they have access to high-speed services.

The Country Land and Business Association recently urged the government to introduce grants to help deliver broadband to rural areas where many are still rely on dial-up internet.

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