Broadband News
Government push to get millions more online
Wednesday, 03 March 2010
By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
The government has launched a drive to get 7.5 million people who don’t currently use the internet online by 2014.
There are currently around 12.5 million people in the UK without internet access and the government is aiming to get 60% of them online within the next four years.
Stephen Timms, minister for Digital Britain, said: “Being online is crucial for participation in the 21st Century society - the internet unlocks a wealth of information and services, giving people more choice in life and access to a range of education, health and financial opportunities.”
However, he admitted that the government’s bid to close the digital divide would be difficult. “The target presents a big challenge,” he said. “It will mean maintaining the rate of first time internet connections at the level we have seen over the past few years, even though those not yet connected are likely to be much harder to attract.”
Other details revealed in the plan include the funding of free laptops and internet to 270,000 low-income families in the UK and the development of more UK Online Centres.
The plans are part of the government’s Universal Service Commitment to get more people online deliver at least 2Mb broadband to every home and business in the UK by 2012.
Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: “The internet offers a host of benefits and can even save you money. Government research has shown that digitally excluded, low-income households are missing out on savings of over £1 billion a year because they don’t have access to the best deals and discounts online.
“Even if you’ve already got the internet at home, you can still save money on your broadband,” added Phillips. “Switching broadband provider can save you £135 on your bills as well as getting you a faster, more reliable internet connection.”
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