Digital Inclusion
26 January 2009
What minimum level of speed and reliability do people have the right to expect from a universally available broadband? That is one on the questions that the Communications Consumer Panel discussed in preparing its response to the Government's ‘Digital Inclusion Action Plan'. Clearly the current requirement on BT and KCom to provide dial up internet access as part of their Universal Service Obligation is no longer adequate in a world where web sites are being designed on the assumption that the user has much higher speed...but how much higher?
We will be undertaking research with consumers to determine the services and applications that they now regard as essential to live their lives to the full and to look at some of the new services for citizens that a universally available broadband would open up. We don't want to get into a technology argument about how the service should be provided or even, at this stage, about who should pay. But we would like to hear people's comments about the services and applications that they believe they need to lead full lives.
The Panel were very encouraged by the momentum that seems to be growing behind the Action Plan, and the related Digital Britain initiative. There is a growing number of examples from around the world about how a wider availability of broadband can lead to step changes in the way public services are delivered. We want to see greater pace and innovation in the UK from central, local and devolved governments.
But new services will only be possible if most people have access to broadband; and that is as much about the take up of broadband as it is about availability. There are some great examples listed in the draft Digital Inclusion Action Plan of local or special interest groups getting together to spread understanding of the benefits of the services already available. We have seen others in our discussions with consumer groups and this has convinced us that strong support for the ‘Home Access Initiative', mentoring and community and other outreach programmes is a vital part of increasing understanding and participation.
We would welcome views on essential services, how to increase take up and the barriers that need to be overcome.