Topic: Broadband seen as 'essential' in UK

[Clive]

It may soon be essential for every home in Britain to have broadband, according to a new report.

The research, from the Communications Consumer Panel found that 84 per cent of people agreed that it should be essential for everyone in the UK to have broadband, regardless of where they live.

Currently, some places in the UK, dubbed notspots, are without access to broadband services.

The Digital Britain report, a final version of which is due to be released soon, identified this as one of the five major points that will be improved under the Digital Britain initiative.

The research undertaken by the Communications Consumer Panel is set to inform choices made in the Digital Britain initiative.

The research found that three-quarters of people who have broadband couldn't live without it.

Out of the 2,000 people questioned, the vast majority believe that people should have the right to have broadband at home, regardless of whether they live in a notspot, have a low income or lack the confidence to use the technology.

[Simon]

Out of the 2,000 people questioned, the vast majority believe that people should have the right to have broadband at home, regardless of whether they live in a notspot, have a low income or lack the confidence to use the technology.

There should also be a proviso that users first have adequate security on their PCs, and that they at least have a basic knowledge of 'safe surfing'.