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Most people today connect to the Internet over a phone line,
typically using a modem with a speed of 56 kilobits per second.
This ‘narrowband’ connection requires users to wait
while a dial-up connection is made before they can access
the Internet, and means that Internet use when connected is
slow – it is estimated that one third of user time online
is spent waiting.
If the UK is to succeed as a world-class place for e-business,
public service delivery and on-line participation, it is essential
that we develop a world-class communications infrastructure.
Broadband is the term used to describe a wide range of technologies
that enable high-speed, always-on access to the Internet and
other electronic services. It will play a pivotal role, not
just for business, but for people and Government as well.
There is no generally agreed definition of broadband. In practice,
people see broadband as allowing fast, always-on access to
the Internet, which standard dial-up telephone lines cannot
provide. Common broadband services could include high-capacity
data transfer, video conferencing, video on demand, interactive
games and audio, online banking and shopping, local area network
(LAN) access and web serving.
There are currently a number of options available for the delivery
of broadband. There are:
- asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology
enables an existing telephone line to be upgraded to offer
a broadband access connection
- fibre, which tends to be available in central business
districts and trading areas in large population centres.
Larger companies in urban areas requiring greater bandwidth
normally use it
- cable, to connect customer premises to a national telecommunications
network. Cable operators market broadband services to both
the residential and business markets
- wireless, allows users to take advantage of cheap, fast
Internet and multimedia through radio links rather than
down a telephone line and satellite, which has the potential
to cover the whole of the UK
The additional bandwidth provided by a broadband connection
allows new value-added services to be delivered to consumers
and businesses.
Consumers will benefit from video and audio streaming, new
forms of interactive entertainment and new ways of learning
over the Internet.
Businesses stand to benefit from productivity improvements
by using a range of fast developing business solutions (see
http://www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk).
Broadband also enables application service provision that
permits the outsourcing of IT functions and enables companies
to focus on their core business.
Broadband - Contact us
The Department of Trade and Industry now has the overall
lead for Broadband policy.
> http://www.dti.gov.uk/industries/telecoms/broadband.html.
The UK Broadband Task Force was created in 2002 and is a
joint effort between the DTI and OGC. Its broad aim is to
promote and aid take-up and availability of broadband in the
UK. The DTI provide regional advisors based at the Regional
Development Agencies and the OGC provides procurement related
guidance and advice - www.broadband.gov.uk.
General Broadband Enquiries
The main points of contact in the DTI Broadband team are
Margaret Aitchison and Darren Holness. Any enquiries please
ring via DTI enquiries 020 7215-5000.
margaret.aitchison@dti.gsi.gov.uk
darren.holness@dti.gsi.gov.uk
.
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