Britain targeting to be world's next digital capital

On Tuesday the government announced a goal for Britain becomes the world's "digital capital" by building cutting-edge broadband, telecoms and media infrastructure to cement its role as a "global economic powerhouse." Prime Minister Gordon Brown compared the digital revolution to the 19th century construction of roads and railways which laid the foundations for the Industrial Revolution.

Although it currently trails many countries in criteria such as broadband penetration and mobile phone usage, Prime Minister said Britain could leapfrog into the global lead.

Before the publication of log-awaited "Digital Britain" he said "Britain is going to lead the world. This is us taking the next step into the future, being the digital capital of the world. The report will set out wide-ranging aims for the media and communications industries, tackling issues including illegal downloading and helping broadcasters and newspapers respond to the ongoing digital revolution.

One long-contentious subject is the BBC, which critics say unjustly benefits from public funding. Reports at the weekend recommended there could be a shake-up of the licence fee, the levy which everyone has to pay to fund the broadcaster. Brown, who visited a media firm in southeast London ahead of the launch, said high-speed broadband access would be as essential in the future as gas, electricity or water are now. Writing in the Times, Brown said digital technology could help Britain emerge stronger from the current global recession, which has hit London harder than some cities due to its dependence on banking and financial services. "Just as the bridges, roads and railways built in the 19th century were the foundations of the Industrial Revolution... so investment now in the information and communications industries can underpin our emergence from recession... and cement the UK's position as a global economic powerhouse," he said.

"Modernization of our communications infrastructure is very important to take benefit of key shifts in technology," Brown added.

"Broadband is at a tipping point. High-speed Internet access will soon be necessary for one and all. Only a digital Britain can unbolt the imagination and creativity that will safe for us and our children the high-skilled jobs of the future in a worldwide economy."

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