Message from the PM on Digital Britain

The communications revolution is transforming all our lives and, to keep pace with these extraordinary technological advances, Britain must change too.

So I wanted to let you know what we are doing to prepare the country for a digital age - and what it means for you.

We have today published the Digital Britain report, an essential part of building Britain's future.

Investment in a new national fibre-optic network will give every home and every company in every community access to a high-speed, high quality internet connection.

This will be matched by the modernisation of our wireless and radio networks.

Soon, users will be able to download HD films in minutes and music files in seconds. But those dynamic industries which will drive Britain's digital future will be safeguarded. The development of legal download markets is paramount, as are steps to curb online piracy, which has a devastating effect on jobs and profits.

From the end of 2015, all our national radio stations will transmit on crackle-free DAB-only and this crystal clear reception should also be widely available in cars.

Today's report also recognises the importance of good quality local media to people around the country. Regional news is the lifeblood of our towns and cities, examining issues that really matter to people and fostering a sense of community.

That is why, as well as continuing to support a strong and world-class BBC, we are looking at ways to support newspapers, online providers and commercial broadcasters to ensure this important service is protected.

Channel 4's future must be secured. In its brief history, the station has produced Oscar-winning films and some of the most popular and highest-quality programming.

It now needs to adapt to ensure stability in the long term. Talks with the BBC are ongoing and we are ready to help.

Government, too, must be at the forefront of this modernisation. The digital age will present huge opportunities for individually-tailored public services, mainly delivered electronically and always with greater efficiency.

Tough choices need to be made. But I am determined to ensure that Britain's digital infrastructure is world class because only a truly digital Britain can harness this nation's genius for invention, discovery and trade.

Digital Britain is about giving the whole country the tools to succeed and lead the way in the economy of the future.

Gordon Brown

Hunt criticises "digital dithering from a dated government"

Jeremy Hunt today accused the Government of “digital dithering” following the publication of their Digital Britain report.

The Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary said the report, which announces twelve new consultations, does not contain a single action and “reads more like a top-down attempt to protect and prop up old business models using yet more public cash.”

While welcoming moves to tackle piracy and roll out a universal 2 meg. broadband connection by 2012, Jeremy went on to point that the last Conservative government deregulated telecoms, launched Channels Four and Five and unleashed the cable and satellite revolution.

And he added:

“Instead of digital dithering from a dated government we need new economy dynamism from a new Conservative Government.”

“Digital Britain ” still has questions to answer

Plaid Cymru MPs and AMs have responded to today’s Government report on ‘Digital Britain’, by calling for greater clarity in plans for the future of broadcasting and broadband in Wales .

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for media, culture and sport, Adam Price MP challenged the Minister by repeating calls for a properly funded, independent Welsh media commissioning service.

Reacting to news that the Government is planning three pilot funding mechanisms for news and public broadcasting, including one in Wales , Plaid’s Adam Price said:

“We need greater transparency in the Government’s plans for this scheme.

“The National Assembly’s advisory body on broadcasting estimated that around £50million would be required to fund an Independent Welsh media commissioning framework.

“Last week’s report by the Assembly’s communities and culture committee said that at least £25million would be needed. I have pressed the Minister for an answer as to how much will be available and I will push for a prompt response. There simply must be enough money to get the job done.

“The Government’s targets for broadband speed are not ambitious enough for 21^st century Wales either.

“Plaid has repeated calls for the Government to consider 5MB per second as standard rather than the 2MB target that they have published. This can only be achieved by solving problems with ‘not-spot’ areas and ensuring that rural access to web services are on a par with urban areas.”

Bethan Jenkins AM, Plaid’s Assembly broadcasting spokesperson, added:

“Local programming plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy democracy in Wales . Welsh audiences need to be able to see their own lives and culture reflected in the media. They need to be kept informed of what is going on in the democratic institutions that represent them.

“The London government needs to come up with solutions that safeguard Welsh programming both in terms of news and non-news.”