Public sector strengthens broadband
Government awards 17 framework agreements for public-sector provision
The government has taken a further step towards fulfilling its UK broadband vision by awarding 17 framework agreements for public-sector provision.
All 17 contracts have been made under the Broadband Aggregation Project, which combines the broadband requirements of the NHS, schools, post offices and other public sector services.
The vendors awarded contracts included BT, Cable & Wireless, Colt, Easynet, Energis, Kingston Communications and Thus.
E-commerce minister Stephen Timms has upped the ante by calling for tougher targets to ensure that UK firms take advantage of the broadband 'revolution'.
By 2005 the government aims to have the most extensive and competitive broadband market of all the G7 developed countries, with 100 per cent availability across the UK.
"Pooling public sector broadband purchasing also ensures that more rural areas, previously seen as too remote or uneconomic for the infrastructure, will have access to the social and business benefits of broadband technology," Timms said.
However, business uptake of broadband is being hampered by cost. Recent research carried out by analyst firm Quantum-Web found that among the 32 European countries surveyed, the UK had the most expensive business broadband packages.
Maurice Lee, managing director of VAR Premises Networks, said: "When you look at other European countries, pricing packages are far better than in the UK. However, now that pricing is finally coming down, hopefully adoption will improve.
"The other problem is that businesses see broadband as just another internet service, so they need educating about its benefits. This is something that VARs can do but that the government should be pushing as well."