In the Autumn Statement, the Government has announced that it will extend the vouchers component of the Super Connected Cities programme. The Connection Vouchers scheme allows SMEs in Super Connected Cities* to get a grant of up to £3,000 for a faster, better broadband connection.
Today the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), launches the results of a detailed survey into the internet usage of 1000 micro-businesses (those with between 0-9 employees). The survey finds that although 87% of micro-businesses have an internet connection, older businesses – those in operation for more than five years – are less likely to be taking full advantage of the internet in growing their business. (more…)
On the matter of net neutrality (FT Editorial Obama is only half right about net neutrality et al) I express strong support for the view that the solution lies in creating “a genuinely competitive market for internet access???.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) will launch the results of a survey into the internet usage of 1000 micro-businesses at an event on the 17 November.
Details:
Monday, 17 November 1400-1600
techUK, 10 St Bride St, London EC4A 4AD
To register please email: events@broadbanduk.org
Although assertions are often made in the public domain about the bandwidth demands of
SMEs, our Capitalising on Connectivity report exposed a gap in the evidence base on SME internet usage as whole.
We committed to add to this evidence base and the BSG commissioned Comres, the leading market research company, to undertake a telephone based study focusing of 1000 micro-businesses, which make up 95% of all businesses in the UK and account for over 30% of turnover. In addition to data around take-up of superfast broadband products the survey also looks at the use of certain broadband-enabled services and the reasons the businesses do, and do not, utilise them.
Comres, who conducted telephone interviews with companies over the summer, will present their findings before a panel discussion involving operators and other stakeholders on how well understood micro-businesses’ demand for digital connectivity is and how it may change in the future.
This will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Richard Hooper CBE, which will include representatives from BT, TalkTalk and the CBI.
There will also be a drinks reception afterwards.
BSG publishes new report on the future of mobile and public-WiFi usage
Today the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), who are the Government’s leading advisory group on broadband, published a report examining the trends and drivers of out-of-home internet usage, how that usage is likely to grow in the future and what needs to be done to meet that growth. (more…)
In today’s connected society consumers increasingly need, and require, access to digital services wherever they are. We therefore welcomes the Government’s intention to improve mobile coverage, but caution against making rushed changes to networks that form part of our critical national infrastructure.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) will launch a report into out-of-home internet usage at a ‘Future Demand for Data and Bandwidth’ event on the 10 November. (more…)
Think about the last time you couldn’t find Wi-Fi access when you needed it: If you’re like most people, you might have to really think about it, as wireless Internet access seems to be available almost anywhere these days.
And when you consider how many people carry multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the need for easy access to wireless Internet connectivity becomes more important, whether you’re at home, at work, or enjoying a park or restaurant. Having easy access to wireless options can allow a parent to attend his son’s football game while remaining connected to work, for example.
The BSG is currently recruiting for a new Policy Manager. For full details please see the full advert on the techUK website.
The Government this week launched a renewed push to raise awareness of the benefits of superfast broadband and the voucher scheme that is available to help businesses boost their digital connectivity.
The Mayor of London’s office published a consultation on the London Infrastructure Plan 2050 today.
The BSG is currently recruiting for a new CEO. For full details on the role and how to apply please see the full advert on the techUK website.
Pamela Learmonth, who has been at the BSG for over six years – the last two as CEO, has decided to pursue a new challenge in the life sciences sector.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published a report on the coverage and performance of broadband provision in the UK from the perspective of SMEs.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group is pleased to continue its partnership with the Broadband World Forum, which returns to Amsterdam in October.
Much of the focus on improving access to the internet has been understandably focused on rural areas. However, research undertaken for Ofcom by Analysys Mason not only shows that slow broadband and Next Generation Access (NGA) availability affect a significant minority of households in urban areas – but that these households tend to be those on the lowest incomes.
