Ofcom launches broadband speed review
The communications industry watchdog, Ofcom, has finally launched a review into how best to rollout the much-needed super-fast broadband networks across the UK.
For some time now experts have been warning that Britain risks being left behind the rest of Europe and parts of Asia when it comes to internet capabilities, with the existing copper wire infrastructure incapable of supporting the high speeds allowed for by fibre-optic technologies.
Alongside growing consumer demand for speeds of up to 100Mbp - with these required to support HDTV, DVD quality film downloads and HD gaming services - there is also a growing corporate requirement, with businesses keen to take advantage of the benefits offered by online video messaging and instant internet telephony technologies.
While the debate concerning who will ultimately foot the bill for the next generation of UK broadband still shows no sign of being resolved, Ofcom has at least identified an alternative to digging up and replacing the thousands of miles of copper wires carrying the internet under the nation's streets.
Notably, the regulator has signalled its enthusiasm for introducing the necessary fibre-optic cables in holes in the ground already used by other utilities providers, namely electricity cable and even water companies' sewerage systems.
Commenting on the launch of the review, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "Super-fast broadband - next-generation access and networks - is crucial to the UK's future. These networks form part of the critical infrastructure of the country's economy."
He added that the technology will "come to change our perception of communication rapidly. So we must prepare now."
However, critics have been quick to point out that this latest initiative is simply a consultation and illustrates the slow approach - the consultation period is set to close on 25th June - the watchdog is taking to what is an immediate problem, in comparison to France, where businesses and households are routinely offered speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The most pressing argument remains the financing of the national upgrade, which some now estimating that the total cost will come to £15 billion.
It has become clear now that BT has no intention of footing the bill, while increasingly pressure is being put on the government to ensure that providers of high-demand content, such as the BBC whose iPlayer requires high speeds, should be made to assist internet service providers in paying for the new networks.
Should this prove to be the way forward, it could bring an end to the current situation of 'net-neutrality' and see users guaranteed certain speeds after ISPs have made deals with content providers.
For now, however, Ofcom has signalled its intention to take things one step at a time and focus on introducing the next generation of broadband across the UK before switching its attention to other issues.
"The shibboleth of net neutrality should not be allowed to become an obstacle or a distraction to investment in next-generation networks in the UK," Mr Richards concluded.
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