Paving good intentions
The interim findings of the government's plans for the UK's future digital communications infrastructure - Digital Britain - have been published today, claiming to be "a plan to secure Britain's place at the forefront of the global digital economy."
Ideally Digital Britain should be a public works project on a grand scale will ensure the UK's competitiveness is in no way hindered by our digital infrastructure. It may well end up being just that, but today's report is more like an extended statement of good intentions, plus a resolution to crack down on digital piracy.
"This report sets out a strategy for building a knowledge economy where our most valuable assets are the skills and innovation that underpin our digital industries." proclaimed business secretary Peter Mandelson.
"This is a significant report for the creative industries, taking steps to establish workable systems of copyright in an online age and to preserve choice of public service content. But it is only the beginning of the process and we need to work hard in the coming months to secure workable solutions," warned culture secretary Andy Burnham.
"The innovation, creativity and vitality of our communications industries rightly demand clarity from government on its role and a framework for the future," conceded minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, Stephen Carter. "Delivering Digital Britain will depend upon a smart industry, working with a committed government to produce lasting solutions."
Go to the next page to see some of the government commitments.