Broadband 'is central part of economic lives'

Broadband is a central part of the economic lives of businesses, one expert has claimed.

According to Tim Krause, chief marketing officer at IT firm Alcatel Lucent, people all over the world are relying on broadband for hosted telephony services and other business needs.

His comments follow research commissioned by Alcatel Lucent which found that people now regard quick internet access as a vital part of life, both in domestic and commercial terms.

Market research firms Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates and Ipsos MediaCT conducted the study, which explored ways broadband can promote global economic growth.

Researchers found that 84 per cent of consumers would agree that broadband is "an essential network service" and would consider upgrading their internet connection despite the economic downturn.

Mr Krause concluded: "As the world looks at ways to address the twin challenges of economic growth and climate change, our research shows that broadband and the digital economy must absolutely be at the top of decision making agendas."

Prime minister Gordon Brown recently stated that a good internet connection is now as important as gas and electricity to the people of Britain.