Key broadband stakeholders must cooperate to boost growth

Broadband provides, telecoms regulators and the government must cooperate effectively in order to advance high-speed internet growth in the UK, a leading expert claims.

Negotiations are currently underway between key stakeholders in regards to the role mobile providers can play in the recently unveiled universal broadband obligation.

Communications minister Lord Carter has requested that Vodafone and O2 free up a portion of 900MHz spectrum so that other providers can use it to offer broadband services.

Ronan Dunne, chief executive of mobile giant O2, told the Independent that disputes have the potential to slow the progression of negotiations for much needed infrastructure investment.

"We want the UK to be a leader [in broadband] and UK plc to benefit. We don't want it to fall behind," he explained.

"Things like government and regulatory certainty are really important. If we sit on our hands and don't invest, there is a danger that Europe gets behind the investment curve."

Tom Newton, from Broadband-Finder.co.uk, recently said there's "no doubt" that mobile internet connections will play a "big part in the future of broadband development in this country".