Broadband Genie: Web funding best spent improving existing technology

Money being allocated towards developing next-generation broadband networks would be better spent improving existing technology, according to Broadband Genie.

The broadband comparison service praised the fact that funding has been allocated to the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), but said the money should have been earmarked for improving fibre optic cabling that has already been laid, rather than developing new networks.

Chris Marling, editor at Broadband Genie, said that over half of 16,000 web connections tested by the organisation failed to reach speeds of two megabits per second (Mbps), prompting questions of why the government is not concentrating on providing the basics before reaching for high-speed broadband.

Mr Marling said: "We understand the TSB wants to ensure UK businesses will be at the leading edge of technology in the future, but perhaps some of this money would be better spent dragging our current services into the 21st century."

Applications such as VoIP solutions can run more effectively on faster broadband connections, while basic services such as the BBC's iPlayer are also easier to access.

The government recently announced that it will deliver connection speeds of at least 2Mbps to every UK home within the next four years.