Next-generation broadband roll out could pave way for new technology

09:58 22nd January 2009

According to the British Computer Society (BCS), the roll out of next-generation broadband could pave the way for new technology.

Cloud computing and utilities computing are both viewed as areas which could be extremely beneficial for new applications. In addition, agent-based computing and semantic web technology could be instrumental in creating a global database programme out of the internet and further progressing the nature of the web.

Speaking at the Joint Westminster eForum & Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar: Digital Britain, David Evans, government relations for the BCS, said: "When we do start to move on this we will take some other technologies off the leash."

Industry experts are advocating the spread of next-generation broadband technology in order to update the UK's existing broadband network, which is largely copper-based.

Widespread use of technology such as fibre infrastructure could drive more Britons to seek IT training, while faster domestic connections will facilitate home study across the UK.

Lord Stephen Carter, the communications minister, said at the same event that next-generation broadband would help the UK to remain competitive with the rest of the world.