Money and "killer app" needed for broadband improvements

More cash needs to be pumped into improving the country's broadband infrastructure, according to one expert.

JupiterResearch Europe research director Ian Fogg claims that upgrades such as fibre to the home (FTTH) and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) will be impossible to embrace unless more investment is put into the sector.

Speaking at an eForum debate in Westminster, Mr Fogg added that experts were yet to develop a unique application "that can only be delivered over next-generation broadband".

Current applications discussed at the debate included videoconferencing, social networking and even the BBC's iPlayer, which delegates claimed could all benefit from the improvement of the broadband infrastructure.

Ofcom executive Peter Phillips said that the UK may do better to stall on the roll out of fibre-based broadband and instead, learn from other countries who are currently updating their infrastructures.

Already, South Korea has taken up high-speed broadband services and now the country's internet connections are around 50 megabits per second.