As a recent report from Gartner forecast that UK broadband penetration will top the 60% mark by the year 2012. However, the research note also suggests that the UK may well fall behind other countries around the world as the government have no plans to assist with the building of the UK fibre optic network.
It seems that countries where government investment is available will see broadband penetration increase quicker than in the UK, with some forecast to hit 80% by 2012. If the UK does fall behind on penetration numbers then this will put UK businesses at odds with their overseas counterparts and also restrict their domestic markets. The UK government has been advised by many in the industry to become more proactive in the laying of the new network as the BT / OFCOM pricing saga seems to be dragging on some what.
BT is expected to release the first billion of investment into the fibre optic network over the next few months, but some in the industry suggest that a total figure of around billion will be needed to connect the vast majority of the UK. Unless the funding situation is resolved very soon we may only see the UK network built piece by piece resulting in the UK broadband industry falling further and further behind overseas counterparts.
It has never been more vital to be in the leading lack in the broadband industry, an industry which will play a growing part in out everyday lives this year, next year and well into the future.