WIREDGOV

As part of the Digital Britain agenda, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills has launched a consultation on how the funds raised by the proposed landline duty should be allocated.

The consultation is aimed at seeking feedback on a number of specific questions regarding the proposed Next Generation Fund, including the approach to the procurement processes and the technology solutions that will be eligible. This consultation is relevant to all stakeholders with an interest in Next Generation Access (NGA), including communications providers, network owners and consumers.

We would encourage all rural stakeholders to respond to the consultation. The questions which may be of particular interest to rural communities and businesses are as follows:

3. What do respondents feel is the minimum bandwidth requirements, both download and upload, in order to qualify as a Next Generation broadband service? Are the requirements above regarding quality of service, including latency and reliability sufficient? What figures should we set on the bandwidth requirements?

4. Do respondents have views how the Next Generation Fund will be used and in particular the focus on fixed line solutions?

5. What minimum criteria should we be looking at, bearing in mind the need for value for money, equity and flexibility?

7. In your opinion, would a regional or National deployment be a more efficient and appropriate use of the Next Generation Fund, and why? What other options are open to HMG in creating competition in the procurement process?

10. Where should the Next Generation Fund be used to intervene in the first instance, in terms of either location, or market deployment, in order to minimise the risk of distorting the market, and not chill planned investment?

13. Which areas of the UK should receive intervention from the Fund, and why?

The deadline for consultation responses is 1 April 2010, and the full consultation document can be found at www.berr.gov.uk/files/file54154.pdf