Streamyx

A recent summit, chaired by Stephen Timms - the Minister of State for Competitiveness - brought together broadband industry leaders, as well as representatives from governing body OFCOM and the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG).

The summit focused on the need for a battle plan to implement next-generation broadband access (NGA) in order to pave the way for ultra-fast internet connections in the UK. With the numbers of users increasing, so the demand for a faster and more reliable connection has become a key talking point in the future of the UK economy.

With the UK currently lagging behind countries such as Japan, France and Sweden when it comes to download speed, Mr Timms acknowledged the need for an improvement in services and more pilot schemes to improve existing services.

The summit also heard how other countries were moving more quickly to introduce and develop ultra-fast networks - capable of delivering speeds of up to 100Mbps. Virgin are currently piloting a scheme which would utilise a 50mbps (megabits per second) broadband service - which they expect to launch before the end of 2008.

According to a survey carried out by OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-ordination and Development) - Japan are currently leading the way when it comes to download speed, and Mr Timms acknowledged that steps need to be taken to ensure the UK does not fall behind, for any delay in implementing such steps could have an effect on the economy in future.

Mr Timms highlighted the need for investment to improve the existing network, which BT are already spending 10bn to upgrade and improve existing services, it is estimated that it could cost 15bn to roll out an upgraded fibre network.

But despite some questioning as to the justification of the demand for high-speed broadband technology, the summit outlined the importance of ultra-fast broadband, pinpointing the economic effect such a commitment could have.

With more than half of all UK homes now connected, with an average speed of 4Mbps, the internet is becoming a key part in people's lives as well as businesses. With a wide range of providers now available, the demand for such technology has increased over recent years. If the Virgin pilot scheme is deemed a success upon rollout at the end of next year, who knows what the future holds for broadband in the UK?

Compare a range of broadband providers to find a cheap broadband deal that suits you.