Govt broadband initiative 'could create more start-ups'

A new government scheme to provide discounted computers for under £100 in Britain could lead to the creation of more internet enterprises, it has been claimed.

In news that could mean more start-ups using VoIP services, hosting company UKFast's communications director Jonathan Bowers said the £98 deals should provide an incentive for all sorts of people to get online.

In particular, he continued, individuals who previously have not spent much time on the web will be able to gain affordable access.

"An offshoot of that is to encourage them to actually think about setting up their own business and seeing how easy it is to run an online business and be successful at it," Mr Bowers explained.

The specialist went on to state that there are "millions" of companies with an internet presence these days, with more and more finding ways to make money via the web.

Martha Lane Fox, the government's digital champion, announced the new programme earlier this week.

It aims to "bridge the digital divide" by providing broadband access to the 9.2 million UK adults currently without access.