22/05/2003
Broadband take up in UK tops two million
The UK now has two million broadband connections with new connections running at 35,000 each week, Oftel has announced today.
David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said that the figures indicated that people had recognised the benefits of "fast, always on Internet access".
"It took two years to reach one million connections, but only seven months to reach two million, as increased competition and lower prices have boosted connection rates," he said.
"Oftel's creation of one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe means consumers are benefiting from increased choice and lower prices. Broadband services can be accessed over DSL, cable networks, fixed wireless and satellite with over 100 ISPs offering broadband services to consumers."
Oftel collects information from network operators on the number of broadband connections. In line with statistics on broadband connections compiled in other countries, these include connections at speeds of 128 kbit/s and above.
Elsewhere, Commerce Minister Stephen Timms has restated the government's desire to see every community in the UK, irrespective of location, supplied with affordable broadband access from a competitive market.
The government believes that access to low-cost broadband services in rural parts of the country can regenerate local areas through opening up e-learning facilities, access to e-government services, teleworking opportunities and providing a better environment for rural businesses by connecting them to wider markets.
e-Commerce Minister Stephen Timms said "Broadband has a great deal to offer to all communities across the UK - whether rural or urban. Government is committed to seeing everyone in the UK given the opportunity to enjoy the advantages new technology can bring.
"The level of enthusiasm we are seeing for these technologies among both businesses and consumers is great to see. The more this demand is demonstrated, the further broadband will spread, opening up access to everyone in every part of the UK."
In November last year, the Prime Minster announced a government target of putting £1 billion into improving public services through broadband - including connecting every primary and secondary school in the country to broadband by 2006.
(GMcG)
David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said that the figures indicated that people had recognised the benefits of "fast, always on Internet access".
"It took two years to reach one million connections, but only seven months to reach two million, as increased competition and lower prices have boosted connection rates," he said.
"Oftel's creation of one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe means consumers are benefiting from increased choice and lower prices. Broadband services can be accessed over DSL, cable networks, fixed wireless and satellite with over 100 ISPs offering broadband services to consumers."
Oftel collects information from network operators on the number of broadband connections. In line with statistics on broadband connections compiled in other countries, these include connections at speeds of 128 kbit/s and above.
Elsewhere, Commerce Minister Stephen Timms has restated the government's desire to see every community in the UK, irrespective of location, supplied with affordable broadband access from a competitive market.
The government believes that access to low-cost broadband services in rural parts of the country can regenerate local areas through opening up e-learning facilities, access to e-government services, teleworking opportunities and providing a better environment for rural businesses by connecting them to wider markets.
e-Commerce Minister Stephen Timms said "Broadband has a great deal to offer to all communities across the UK - whether rural or urban. Government is committed to seeing everyone in the UK given the opportunity to enjoy the advantages new technology can bring.
"The level of enthusiasm we are seeing for these technologies among both businesses and consumers is great to see. The more this demand is demonstrated, the further broadband will spread, opening up access to everyone in every part of the UK."
In November last year, the Prime Minster announced a government target of putting £1 billion into improving public services through broadband - including connecting every primary and secondary school in the country to broadband by 2006.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
