Government, users and ISPs to decide pace of next-generation roll-out

The rate at which next-generation broadband networks are established throughout the UK will depend on users themselves, internet service providers (ISPs) and the government, says Ofcom.

According to the broadband industry regulator, next-generation broadband could have a major impact on the services available to consumers in their everyday lives, while also delivering great benefits for the economy.

Stuart McIntosh, partner for competition at Ofcom, said that because the technology remains young a range of "uncertainties" will affect the way in which it is regulated, but the organisation will do what it can to encourage investment.

Mr McIntosh, speaking at the Westminster eForum keynote seminar the Future of Broadband in the UK, said: "[Next-generation broadband] is potentially a world-changing issue and possibly something which is going to have a dramatic effect on both our personal lives and our economic lives."

Faster broadband speeds could enable more people to make better use of VoIP hardware, while they could also access faster download speeds.

Nearly two million additional UK homes gained internet access within the last year, according to the Office for National Statistics.