Big Brother Fighters

For those who have been keenly waiting for the Digital Britain Report, the good news is that it is out, and the not so good news is that it may leave you a little disappointed. Nevertheless, that does not mean that it is absolutely off track, only that we hoped for something better.

The report’s contents are neither fresh nor do they offer any defined plan of action. The goal to have all of Britain on a 2Mb broadband isn’t something that will make an impact on many. The action steps needed and the series of measures are either missing or not sound.

Communications minister, Lord Carter, the author of the report, has made recommendations aimed at improving broadband speeds, level pricing, and accessibility. It was indeed obvious from the interim report published earlier this year that accessibility of broadband all across Britain was the primary objective. It does not seem though that they have figured out on the means to get it done.

The positives were the suggested measures of curbing piracy and copyright infringements, additional muscle for Ofcom, and enhanced mobile broadband network access on the Tube. The proposed investment of £200 million is good news and a good chunk of it is aimed at mobile broadband to compensate for the areas with inadequate fixed line connectivity. Why is providing access to the mobile broadband such a big deal?.. take a look at this dedicated mobile broadband website to answer any of your questions and allay any fears you may have about using the mobile internet.

The mobile broadband allocation plan suggested by Kip Meek, Carter’s advisor, is also supported in the report, which does leave Orange and T-Mobile despondent while Vodafone and O2 in high spirits with the retention of 900Mhz spectrum. Vodafone and O2 will have to hang around in anticipation of getting their hands on the new spectrum with the change to digital TV.