High-speed broadband could soon be necessary for web use

17:02 5th February 2009

High-speed broadband could soon be necessary in order to use the internet to its full potential, according to the Communications Consumer Panel (CCP).

Websites are rapidly accelerating to take constant advantage of new technical developments and software design, and the CCP says that current broadband networks may not be able to cope with developments in future web content.

Fiona Ballantyne, member for Scotland of the CCP, said that many web users would need a lot of help and access to more information to alleviate anxieties to do with changing technology.

Addressing delegates at the Joint Westminster eForum & Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar: Digital Britain, Ms Ballantyne said: "As website content providers provide much more sophisticated content, then you need a decent speed in order to be able to access that."

She went on to say that broadband industry regulators would need to make sure that help was available to those who needed it.

Programming courses and IT training could prove helpful for web users looking to expand their computer skills.

Public services will be widely available online under new government plans to bring Britain into the digital age.