Broadband access first, speed later

Published on 01/08/2012 00:00

THE government’s broadband policy has become “preoccupied” with delivering certain speeds to consumers and needs greater focus on access to the internet through a national broadband network, a report by peers has concluded.

The House of Lords Communications Committee warned of the “spectre of a widening digital divide”, stating there was a “very real risk” that some people and businesses were being left behind.

In their report, Broadband For All – An Alternative Vision, the peers said progress was being made in providing enhanced broadband provision.

However, UK broadband policy could support a national broadband network allowing people to “connect in different ways according to their needs and demands”.