DigitalBritain
From SGenomics
Contents |
Universial Connectivity
Areas that require clarification
We applaud the report for introducing the concept of a universal service commitment for broadband internet provision. The report suggests "a 2Mb/s universal service commitment". While a useful indication, such a statement does not accurately define a given broadband connection. Two other important factors must be included in order for this to be a meaningful statement: upload speed and contention ratio. We suggest a the report states (for example) "a 2Mb/512Kbps connection with at most a 10:1 contention ratio".
Perhaps more importantly the report imposes no minimum cost on such a connection. We would suggest that this is set such that it does not exceed 5 pence per gigabyte transferred (if all available bandwidth was consumed and to include total cost of ownership over a 1 year period).
Is 2Mb/s fast enough?
The report discusses broadband speeds of up to 2Mb/s but does not discuss the utility of speeds beyond this. The report should at least touch on this point.
It is important to note, that many current services such as BBC iPlayer HD could NOT be supported over a 2Mb/s connection reliably. BBC iPlayer HD requires 1.5Mb/s with a 2Mb/s connection and a contention ratio of 10:1 it would not be possible for users to take advantage of this publicly funded service.
The importance of symmetric connections
The home user should be a first class citizen in the digital world. For this the importance of high speed uplink capacity is paramount. Many home users are already broadcasters, uploading content to sites such as youTube. Home workers require high speed uplinks to communicate with clients or their main place of work. With the introduction of high definition still and video camera the desire for high speed uplinks is only likely to increase.
Promoting increased bandwidth
- The introduction of a maximum price per gigabyte of data transferred decreasing year on year.
- Public investment in a national fibre network.
- The introduction of "broadband bonds".
- The auction of a limited monopoly on fibre connections in return for infrastructure investment.
