Consumer Panel UK wants next generation broadband for all

The Communications Consumer Panel, in a statement, asked the UK government to go with its plans to implement universal broadband to everyone in UK 2012 as the panel’s research finds broadband internet will become an essential service for everyone. The panel wanted the government to see the proposals outlined in Digital Britain to go through, as planned.

The panel pointed out that the investment for next generation broadband rollout needs further pushing as the market will only rollout to around two-thirds of the population leaving the rest behind, which the panel wanted should not happen. Next generation broadband should be available for everyone as it can help ‘delivering public services in really innovative and new ways, and could improve the quality and depth of interaction between citizens and Government, both local and national,’ according to Anna Bradley, Chair person at the panel.

Lastly, the panel would like the government to call for more digital participation as advised by Digital Britain Report while welcoming the plans to setup Consortium which can increase digital participation and asked the government to support it with funding for the next three years.