Broadband.co.uk: Real benefits available from high-speed broadband

Countries that make a real commitment to investing in the development of next-generation broadband networks will reap substantial rewards in the years to come, says an expert website.

According to Broadband.co.uk, both suppliers and consumers want the technology, but there is currently little will to expand it beyond urban areas where the cost of installation can rise dramatically.

New figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently revealed that the UK has slipped into the bottom half of the table in relation to investment in next-generation technology.

Edd Dawson, editor of broadband.co.uk, said: "There is a drive from the suppliers to provide it where it is economically viable for them, which are the urban areas, but there is no one pushing the case through forcefully and with any resources nationwide."

Next-generation networks could help deliver more efficient VoIP hardware.

The number of people around the world with access to the internet is expected to grow by nearly 50 per cent over the next five years, according to figures from Forrester Research.