Ofcom offers agenda for next-gen broadband

Ofcom revived the argument for using existing sewers, electric pipes and underground telecom ducts for broadband user yesterday. Speaking at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, head of Ofcom Ed Richards said: "Super-fast broadband - next generation access and networks - are crucial to the UK's future. These networks form part of the critical infrastructure of the country's economy." If existing ducts are used, the estimated £15bn of upgrading the UK's broadband network could be seriously reduced. But the pressure is on to decide on future strategies quickly following reports that the network is under strain dues to the popularity of bandwith-demanding services such as the BBC's iPlayer and Channel 4's '4OD' service. Following the debate on who should foot the bill for increased bandwidth-hungry services, Virgin Media chief executive admitted that his comments in an interview with the Royal Television Society's magazine, in which he branded net neutrality as "a load of b****cks' was regretfully flippant: "My comments were obviously somewhat flippant," said Richards, "but while I regret the choice of words, I don't really regret opening up the debate that a set of rules created in a completely different environment may be the best way to go forward." Speaking yesterday, Richards also urged: "The shibboleth of net neutrality should not be allowed to become an obstacle or a distraction to investment in next-generation networks in the UK." Source: The Guardian