Digital Britain

Ofcom has welcomed the publication of the Government’s final Digital Britain report.

The report sets out a vision for some of the UK’s critical communications issues, in particular addressing key areas where the Government can take action.

Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: ‘Ofcom welcomes the publication of Digital Britain and is pleased that the report places the future of the digital infrastructure and economy at the heart of the public debate.

‘The report builds on many of Ofcom’s proposals which are designed to provide a spur to the UK’s digital economy and benefit citizens and consumers.

‘We will study the full set of recommendations carefully and look forward to being part of the consultation with all stakeholders in the coming weeks.’

The report covers a number of key areas where Ofcom has policy responsibilities.

Public Service Broadcasting

The report contains a number of actions to ensure that the current system of PSB can survive past digital TV switchover in 2012.

The report draws on Ofcom’s blueprint for PSB and our proposals for independently funded news consortia.

Super-fast broadband

Digital Britain also includes measures to further promote the spread of super-fast broadband across the UK.

Ofcom has taken the lead in encouraging investment in this new technology – which could increase web speeds to up to 100 megabits per second – by giving companies maximum incentives to invest.

Spectrum release and liberalisation

The Digital Britain report supports the need to release spectrum as soon as possible. This includes the release of some of the most valuable spectrum – the Digital Dividend which will be freed-up as the UK moves to all-digital television broadcasting.

Media literacy

One of Ofcom’s key roles is to improve media literacy across the UK so that everyone can take full advantage of digital media.

The Digital Britain report outlines an enhanced role for Ofcom in furthering this work.

Radio

The report also sets out a number of actions on radio. Ofcom’s response to the radio proposals in the Digital Britain consultation can be found here.

Piracy

Digital Britain outlines new measures for internet service providers (ISPs) to take action against illegal file-sharing.

Ofcom has said it is ready to work with rights owners and ISPs to establish workable solutions to this.

Many of these proposals will be contained in a Digital Economy Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the autumn.

Broadband speed research