Government announces Digital Britain Report

The Government has launched a report proposing a new industry-wide obligation to provide affordable broadband services for everyone.

Announcing the Digital Britain interim report, Lord Stephen Carter, minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, said: “At the moment there is no universal service commitment to broadband at all.

"We're saying it should be provided by the entire industry. It could be via fixed line connection or wireless."

If taken up, the proposals would ensure everyone has internet that is fast enough to watch videos online by 2012. However, security groups and broadband specialists have pointed out that current broadband speeds will not support this.

Andrew Ferguson, a representative of Think Broadband, said: “There is no clear direction for next-generation broadband, and a USO of 2Mbits/sec by 2012 is laughable when 2Mbits/sec was what was available back in 2000.

“They even have the nerve to suggest it is futureproof. How will those stuck with a 2Mbits/sec connection feel when people in the cities have 100, 50 or 40Mbits/sec connections?”

McAfee also pointed out that the Government had not considered the security implications of providing this broadband.

Greg Day, a security analyst for the security company, said: “On the face of things, Lord Carter’s plans are almost like giving someone a car but not teaching them how to drive.

"The onus is placed upon the Government to show people how to use the internet wisely. Added to this, all ISPs have differing levels of security packages on offer. Will the Government set minimum security standards to ensure the public are provided basis protection?”

Andy Burnham, culture secretary, moved to reassure people that the report was still in its preliminary stages, claiming: "This is a significant report for the creative industries, taking steps to establish workable systems of copyright in an online age and to preserve choice of public service content. But it is only the beginning of the process and we need to work hard in the coming months to secure workable solutions."

The report also looked at the issues of illegal file sharing and ways of boosting the digital and communications industries. It will also include proposals on how to protect children online.

The report will establish whether a long-term and sustainable second public-service organisation providing competition for the BBC can be defined and designed. It will look at the possibility of merging Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide.