Set-top boxes could help deliver 2Mbps

Set-top boxes offer a potential way to meet the government target of providing web speeds of two megabits per second (Mbps) to all UK homes by 2012, reports Broadband TV News.

Around 90 per cent of UK homeowners have already got a set-top box to acquire digital television in preparation for the imminent switchover and so using them to route broadband connections to facilitate VoIP solutions and web downloads could prove popular.

In addition, Freeview and Freesat, the primary operators of set-top boxes, have been looking to fit the equipment with internet connectivity.

According to the website, culture minister Andy Burnham told the Broadcasting Press Guild: "There is the potential for the switchover programme to empower people in that way through looking at the core receiver requirements. The ten per cent who haven't switched off probably don't have broadband either."

Mr Burnham added that connectivity for all is the immediate priority, but that faster speeds may also be delivered in the coming years.

The government has been criticised for its lack of ambition in aiming for 2Mbps minimum speeds, as many applications will soon require faster connections.