The governement of the UK will invest £1 billion in a Next Generation Fund to bring broadband to rural areas. Specifically, the objectives of the Next Generation Fund are:
- To support Digital Britain's aim to roll out next generation networks to at least 90% of the UK by 2017;
- To support economic growth by incentivising market investment in communications infrastructure to meet the needs of businesses and households;
- To maximise links with the Government's Universal Service Commitment -- a parallel broadband investment programme to ensure every community has access to 2Mbps broadband connection by 2012.
Government is now consulting on the most effective way to deploy the investment and will soon appoint a procurement team to oversee the delivery and management of Next Generation Access.
"This investment is about bringing the future of broadband to areas of the country that would otherwise miss out. We cannot underestimate the opportunities this will bring for homes and businesses which is why we are taking action to make sure everyone benefits. Already the market is delivering superfast internet speeds of 50Mbps to half the country but we cannot be certain that it will reach the communities that are not currently served, which is why we are putting in an extra £1billion to support the market," stated Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson.http://
