The Broadband Stakeholder's Group (BSG) has issued a stark warning to the organisations involved in next-generation broadband infrastructure.
The BSG, a governmental advisory body, has called on uncertainties surrounding future technology - much of which centres around BT's 21CN plans - to be resolved within two years.
If not, the BSG warned, the UK risked falling behind its European counterparts in terms of economic and social development.
"If steps are not taken to prepare for next-generation broadband, then we may find ourselves in a position where it is too late to catch up," said Kip Meek, chairman of the BSG.
The BSG is specifically concerned about high-speed broadband services, capable of speeds of 20Mbps or more, which are needed to deliver high definition video content, VoIP (voice-over Internet Protocol) and P2P (peer-to-peer) services.
Though at this stage the Pipe Dreams? Prospects for next generation broadband deployment in the UK report is intended to stimulate debate and shape policy, the authors warned that failure to get to grips with the problem could be catastrophic.
"This is a call to policy makers and regulators to put significant effort into understanding the dynamics of the market. Failure to act will be to the detriment of both our economy and our society," said Meek.
http://www.broadbanduk.org/
Topic: Broadband faces future challenges (Read 509 times)