Building Britain's Digital Future 1/3

091/09
16 June 2009

Joint DCMS/BERR press release

Government Unveils Action Plan for the Digital Economy

- Digital Economy central to industrial strength and competitiveness
- Communications Infrastructure critical for future economic growth

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The Digital Britain White Paper, published today, sets out the importance of the Digital Economy to the nation’s economic future, and how it will drive future industrial capability and competitiveness.

It comprehensively makes the case that the United Kingdom’s communications infrastructure and increased Digital Participation are key to building a 21st century knowledge economy, and must be considered essential objectives if we are to become world-leaders, and reap the benefits of this rapidly transforming sector.

The Prime Minister said:

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

“This report shows how we will ensure we have a world-class digital and communications infrastructure, that we promote and protect talent and innovation in our creative industries, that we modernise our TV and radio frameworks and support local news.

“Investing in areas such as broadband access for every home and business and the move from analogue to digital technology will bring benefits across the board, driving growth, enabling businesses to thrive, and providing new opportunities and choices for households right across the country. It is an essential part of building Britain’s future.”

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Digital Britain measures include:

Communications Infrastructure
We are taking steps to strengthen and modernise the UK’s Digital Infrastructure so the UK can compete and lead globally

  • Universal access to today’s broadband by 2012, creating  equal access for all and a fairer digital future
  • A fund for investment in the next generation of superfast broadband to ensure it is available to the whole country, not just some of it
  • Digital Radio Upgrade by 2015
  • Accelerating current and next generation mobile coverage and services
  • Proposed new role for sectoral regulator Ofcom to carry out a full assessment of the UK’s communications infrastructure every two years

Digital Participation
We are taking steps to ensure that everyone can share in the benefits of Digital Britain

  • Three year National Plan to improve Digital Participation
  • Programme of Digital Switchover in public services
  • A new Digital Inclusion Champion: Martha Lane Fox
  • Revised Digital remit for Channel 4 and key role for BBC
  • Guaranteed funding for three years for targeted marketing and outreach

Digital content
We are taking steps to make the UK one of the world’s main creative capitals

  • Robust legal and regulatory framework to combat Digital Piracy
  • Digital Test Beds to promote innovation, experimentation and learning around creation and monetization of digital content
  • TV Licence Fee: consultation on contained contestability, primarily to secure news in the nations, regions and locally
  • A new direction for Channel 4, championing new talent across all digital media
  • Guidance note and clarification on the media merger regime and an enhanced evidence role for the regulator in local mergers
  • Support for Independently Funded News Consortia

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Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said:

"Britain needs an active industrial policy if we are to maximise the benefits from the digital revolution. We need a clear approach which is fully accessible and provides regulatory certainty, smarter public procurement and a readiness to intervene where necessary. The Digital Britain Report does this by offering a strategic view of the sector, backed by a programme of action. This report will cement the UK's position as a world leader in the digital and communication industries and ensure Britain is not left behind in the digital revolution."

Culture Secretary, Ben Bradshaw said:

"Britain’s digital industries are among the most successful in the world and a major part of our economy. We need to make the right decisions now to make sure they continue to grow and prosper. We need to make the most the most of the opportunities today and in the years to come, exploiting the world’s ongoing technological revolution. This report will be key to our economic growth, social inclusiveness and well-being as a nation."

Stephen A. Carter, Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting, said:

"Digital Britain is a statement of intent and ambition, a commitment to infrastructure and access, and an overdue recognition of the Industrial importance of the Creative Industries".


He added: "The Digital Economy is a case study in the interdependence of competitive markets, regulation, entrepreneurialism, and a strategic approach from Government"

Digital Britain: The Implementation Process 
A summary of the Report’s conclusions is attached. Some of the decisions require action which will be carried out immediately; some require further consultation or legislation.  Chapter 9 of the Report gives further detail on the Implementation Process and is attached to the Executive Summary PDF file.

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Editors notes

  1. View the alternative online press release including footage of Stephen Carter's speech.

  2. Contact information:

    Department for Business Innovation & Skills press enquiries: 020 7215 6403
    http://www.bis.gov.uk/

    Department for Culture, Media and Sport press enquiries: 020 7211 6267
    http://www.culture.gov.uk/

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200

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