At this moment in time there are around 18 million broadband connections in the UK which is a significant increase from just a couple of years ago. Indeed we have also seen the forecast for the current year increase for around 19.6 million to 19.8 million with further scope for upwards revision even though we are currently living in a very difficult economic climate. So what are the forecasts for the future of the UK broadband sector?
Point Topic, a UK analytical firm, believes that UK broadband connections could reach as high as 25 million by 2014 which would be a significant increase on the current figure. The truth is that without an increase in broadband usage between now and 2014 the return on investment for companies such as British Telecom, currently rolling out a high-speed broadband network across the UK, would diminish. It is only this expected increase in usage, which will result in an increase in profits, which is allowing plans to develop in the UK.
David Cameron and his coalition government appear to be in favour of expanding the UK broadband network although there is still some debate as to how this would be funded. There is speculation that part of the BBC licence fee could be used although we await confirmation in due course.