§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what role Ofcom will have in promoting the take-up of broadband. [157243]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Communications Act 2003 (c.21) Part 1, page 3 sets out the general duties of Ofcom in carrying out their functions, including the desirability of encouraging the availability and use of high speed data transfer services throughout the United Kingdom.
The Government believe that a competitive market is key to the successful promotion of broadband. Ofcom is continuing to promote effective and sustainable competition in the broadband market.
Ofcom is consulting on its Annual Plan until 11 March 2004. In this, Ofcom proposes to publish a broadband consumer guide in Summer 2004 to help and encourage consumers to take advantage of the choices and services available to them.