High speed broadband crucial to success of next-generation applications

Investment in UK broadband infrastructure will play a large role in determining how fast new multimedia applications can expand their user base, according to an expert.

Philip Rosedale, founder of the online community Second Life, argued that fibre optic broadband networks will be needed to sustain the growth of websites such as YouTube, which require high levels of bandwidth.

Rosedale recently announced that he intends to step down as chief executive of Linden Lab and become chairman of the board.

This comes as take up of Second Life has slowed dramatically, with monthly registration growth dipping to 4.6 per cent this January compared to nearly 50 per cent in October 2006.

Earlier this month Ofcom began a consultation looking into possible methods of delivering broadband improvements to consumers.

The watchdog is considering how existing infrastructure such as underground pipes, sewers and underground ducts could be used to accelerate the rollout of fibre networks.

Posted on: 2008-04-29, in: Broadband

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