The Government has finally published its Digital Britain report by Communications Minister Lord Carter. The 238 page report sets out the Government’s “strategic vision” for the next stage of the UK’s digital development in order for the country to remain at the “leading edge of the global digital economy”. New measures outlined in the report […]
The Government has finally published its Digital Britain report by Communications Minister Lord Carter. The 238 page report sets out the Government’s “strategic vision” for the next stage of the UK’s digital development in order for the country to remain at the “leading edge of the global digital economy”. New measures outlined in the report include:
- Universal UK access to broadband speeds of 2Mbps by 2012.
- Setting up a fund to invest in next generation broadband using a 50p monthly levy on all fixed telephone lines.
- A three-year plan to raise digital participation.
- Legal and regulatory changes to fight digital piracy with an increased role given to Ofcom.
- A change in Channel 4’s remit, with a new role as the ‘open new media authority’ (instead of ‘the open broadcasting authority’).
- Liberalising the mobile spectrum, extending 3G licenses and improving 3G coverage.
- Holding a consultation to examine funding for local, national and regional news (including the proposal to redirect £130m from the BBC licence fee to pay for ITV regional news).
- Setting the digital radio switchover date for 2015.
- Supporting public service content partnerships.
The following is our round-up of the most useful and relevant Digital Britain stories from around the web:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Government outlines plans for UK’s digital transition
The Guardian: Digital Britain: What to expect sector by sector from Lord Carter’s report
BBC news: Experts react to Digital Britain
Brand Republic: Full coverage of the Digital Britain report
Revolution: Digital Britain: The tea-break guide
