Warnings issued on UK broadband

Broadband provision in the UK needs to be upgraded and developed within two years otherwise there could be significant social and economic consequences, claims a new report.

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) is calling on the telecoms industry and the government to do more to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of broadband technology across the developed world and does not fall behind its main competitors.

Growing demand for online content is set to require significantly faster internet access for consumers but unless the industry moves now, the UK could be left behind due to outdated network systems.

"If steps are not taken by 2009 to prepare for next-generation broadband, then we may well find ourselves in a position where it is too late to catch up," warned BSG chairman Kip Meek, speaking to the Financial Times.

In particular, the BSG is requesting that the government consider a number of commercial incentives to help fund the required investment in the current telecoms infrastructure that is needed to support high-speed broadband provision of 100mps and above.