Vaizey Sets Out Britain's Broadband Future

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has set out the steps being taken toward universal broadband coverage, since the December publication of the Government’s broadband strategy.

Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) is the team responsible for delivering on the Government’s objective of having the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.

Speaking at the Broadband in Suffolk Conference, Mr Vaizey gave the highlights of BDUK's last four months, including:

• Beginning procurement for the UK's first superfast broadband pilot area, in Cumbria
• Opening applications for a second public funding pot of £50m
• Committing to a rolling program of funding applications for future superfast broadband pilots, ensuring a pipeline of projects stretching forward to 2015

Mr Vaizey underlined the Government's commitment to private sector leadership in the sector, commenting that "we firmly believe that the market and private industry is best placed to give consumers and business the infrastructure and services they want and need".

He also gave updates on a number of policy areas that impact on delivering universal fast broadband.

This includes the Chancellor's announcement of a package of measures in last month’s budget – from deregulating overhead cables to a review of the Electronic Communication Code – that place broadband rollout at the heart of the growth agenda.

(BMcN/GK)