Industry news

BSG: Next generation could boom economy

A UK industry-government advisory body has suggested moving to next-generation broadband would boost the country's ailing economy.

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) revealed next-generation broadband could have positive social and economic implications for the nation if deployed widely.

Antony Walker, chief executive of the group, said the technology could potentially transform the way we do things on many levels – individually, business-wise and as a nation.

He added that though it is tempting to jump in "feet-first", there is uncertainty on both the demand and supply side so it is important to do it properly than do it first.

"On the other hand, the UK can't wait too long. If widespread network deployment didn't happen in the medium term (perhaps three to five years), then this report suggests that the UK could be losing out," he concluded.

The report follows last year's Pipe Dreams report calling on the UK to begin preparation for the technology's potential rollout in 2009.

Meanwhile, a new study by thinkbroadband.com has found that London is the nation's fastest broadband.