New report outlines broadband expansion plan

09:49 21st January 2009

A new report has suggested that ISPs could benefit from TV airwave licences if they invest in next-generation broadband.

The report, entitled 'Digital Britain', has been produced by the communications minister Lord Carter and suggests plans to offer free use of the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum to internet service providers (ISPs) in exchange for the companies working to provide next-generation broadband networks across the UK.

Although the scheme would be designed to boost ISP investment in new broadband infrastructure, the government would probably still provide the bulk of the funding. The cost of introducing high-speed broadband to every part of the UK is estimated at almost £30 billion.

The new plan could boost employment opportunities in the UK that would help to stimulate the economy to the tune of 600,000 positions, including new IT jobs and networking careers.

Broadband provider Virgin Media, a company which is pioneering faster connection speeds, has launched a new sport-on-demand service named Setanta Replay.