U.K. releases report recommending universal broadband access

Parallel to the Obama Administration's and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's crucial inclusion of provisions to move toward universal broadband access for U.S. citizens, last month the U.K. government took a significant step forward to ensure the same for its citizens by publishing Digital Britain: The Interim Report.

Union support for the Government's project is key as the Communications sector is Britain's third largest and amounted to eight percent of the country's GDP in 2008. The Communications Workers Union and Connect, the two largest British unions in the IT sector, welcomed the report.

Andy Kerr, deputy general secretary of CWU, said:

"At a time of huge job losses right across the nation in all sectors, these recommendations promise to boost growth, create employment opportunities, and better prepare the UK economy for the challenges ahead. The CWU has consistently lobbied for universal access to broadband so we are delighted to see a recommendation for a universal service obligation for broadband, which will be vital to achieving digital inclusion and enabling full participation in society and the economy."

Connect General Sectary, Adrian Askew said:

"Connect has consistently campaigned for the roll-out of next generation access broadband services and for a radical overhaul of the universal service obligation to deliver a modern communications infrastructure that will be essential to the UK economy and to consumers. This will also help in the pursuit of the social inclusion agenda to which we are strongly committed. We are pleased that the interim report has moved the debate on from whether we need these services to examining the best way to deliver them and to do so for all our citizens."

The British Government's report and strong trade union support shows the importance both actors attach to bringing Britain up to speed in the 21st Century and matches many of Speed Matters' goals here in the U.S. Specifically, the Government's plan aims to increase net literacy, facilitate more efficient delivery of public services, such as health care online, create a "dynamic investment climate" for broadband, and ensure fair access across regions and socioeconomic groups.

Britain's efforts will be important for America's workers, politicians and people to watch as we strive to revitalize our economy and educate our population online.

Senate Stimulus Passes with $7 broadband investment plan (Speed Matters)

Digital Britain - interim report

The UK: UNI's Affiliates Respond to Digital Britain Interim (UNI Global Union)

Digital Britain - The Interim Report: Section 1: Introduction and Executive Summary