COMMUNICATIONS CONSUMER PANEL WELCOMES BBC RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTING THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING FAST BROADBAND AVAILABLE TO ALL UK HOMES
27 May 2009
The Communications Consumer Panel welcomes the BBC research published today that shows the challenge faced by Government in delivering on its commitment to ensure that all homes in the UK can get a 2Mb/s broadband connection by 2012.
Panel Chair Anna Bradley said, "The Communications Consumer Panel welcomes the Government's universal broadband commitment and this research highlights the fact that many people cannot currently use the online services, such as downloading TV content, that require a fast broadband connection."
Next week the Panel will be publishing research which shows that in the not-too-distant future it will be essential for everyone to have broadband at home - not having it will be a real disadvantage. This research will further bolster the case for making broadband available to everyone. On top of this, there is a need to focus on the forty per cent of people who cannot afford or do not see the benefit of having broadband at home. It is important that they do not miss out.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs
The Communications Consumer Panel was established to advise Ofcom on the consumer interest in the markets it regulates. The Panel is independent and sets its own agenda. Visit www.communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk for more information.
The Panel's members appointed by Ofcom are:
For further information about Communications Consumer Panel members go to http://www.communciationsconsumerpanel.org.uk/about/
For a copy of our submission to the Digital Britain interim report go to our website http://www.communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk/Digital%20Britain.pdf
CONTACT
Communications Consumer Panel Media Adviser Siân Evans 020 8674 8921 / 07713997510
media@communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk