Ofcom surveys broadband plans

Ofcom has launched a consultation on proposals to promote investment in next-generation broadband networks for new housing and office developments.

The telecommunications regulator also announced a survey of the UK broadband infrastructure to see if it can be extended.

The UK's move to next-generation fibre-based telecoms networks is one of the most fundamental changes in telecoms infrastructure since the development of broadband.

However the investment needed will be massive and this has lead companies to question whether the call for super-fast broadband connections is premature.

In 2007 the Government announced a target of three million new-build homes by 2020; it is estimated that about 246,000 new residential and business premises are built each year.

A number of new-build developments are already being fitted with fibre-based networks – including Ebbsfleet in Kent, where the new owners will move in this summer.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "Super-fast broadband is ripe for deployment in new-build areas. We need to take advantage of this and encourage investment in networks, while promoting competition. This will allow consumers to benefit from all the advantages of super-fast access speeds, competitive provision and choice."

The regulator will look at ways of keeping this momentum going and encouraging companies to invest while promoting competition.

The proposed regulations are designed to provide investors with certainty over how the new networks will be regulated. They will ensure that all communications providers interested in delivering high-speed broadband have equal opportunities to invest in telecoms infrastructure for new-build properties.

Today's announcement is part of a wider Ofcom programme of work to promote next-generation broadband. The consultation closes on 25 June 2008.