UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO BROADBAND BY 2005

TELECOMS regulator OFTEL, has been asked by ministers to examine the way to ensure everyone in Britain can have full benefits of broadband including video –on demand services and interactive television.
The UK government is looking at ways to give universal access to high-speed, broadband communication networks by 2005. This would have major implications for telecommunications operators, broadcasters and Internet service providers.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has already stated that he wants total access to the Internet by 2005 whilst Downing Street is considering making broadband access a pledge in the Labour Party manifesto for the next election.
Cable operators, telecom groups and satellite broadcasters are moving quickly at the moment to sign up new subscribers, particularly affluent customers for electronic commerce and online entertainment.
Whether the government wish to provide universal access through homes or schools and libraries has not yet been decided.
There are currently no plans at this stage to impose a universal service obligation on future broadband communications network operators.