Pinder said yesterday that for the government to support the roll-out of broadband, business would have to show its support for the technology. His comments were followed by a statement from the Prime Minister explaining, “we are in the early days of broadband, but it has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives.” He added that broadband would enhance competition by breaking down barriers, commenting that “geographical location will no longer be a restriction to competing with urban rivals.”
However, the slow implementation of broadband access in Britain has attracted recent criticism and scepticism over the extent of the Government’s support.
This week, BT took advantage of a recent change in legislation and applied for a licence to broadcast television services over its broadband network. A BT spokesman said, “it is very much a prudent step to be in a position to go into broadcast…as and when the technical expertise develops and the market is proven.”