Does The Digital Britain Report Lack Ambition?
18/06/09
The CBI and The British Chambers of Commerce have commented on the Digital Britain report from Lord Carter which outlines plans for the future of the internet and communications industries.
David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The quality of our ICT infrastructure and communications market is critical to the future of our entire economy. It is especially important to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who make up 99% of all UK businesses. Their interests should not be ignored and Martha Lane Fox’s Digital Inclusion Taskforce must have SME representation.
“The report does set out plans to meet the target of bringing two megabits of broadband to every household and business by 2012, but this is a very modest target. Given the rate at which content and technology usage is increasing, there is strong argument for a more ambitious long-term strategy.
“The creation of a national cyber crime security strategy is something the BCC has been calling for and supports.”
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:
“One of the most important issues in the UK at the moment is the state of the public finances. The government needs to deliver public services much more efficiently, and today’s report recognises that next-generation broadband has an important role to play. It could help transform services in areas ranging from health to the criminal justice system.
“The government should put in place the right conditions so that the private sector can lead the way in making essential investments in next-generation, higher-speed broadband. Given the state of the public finances it is right not to throw new money at the Digital Britain project, and should instead strengthen the demand case for higher-speed broadband as part of its industrial activism agenda, including the shift to a low-carbon economy.
“The government should also improve digital literacy so that everyone can be part of a digital Britain.”
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