Report plots digital future for UK

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The document, compiled by communications minister Lord Carter, will tackle issues such as universal broadband and illegal downloading and pave the way to help cash-strapped broadcasters and newspapers.

It was reported at the weekend that the BBC will be forced to give up some of its £3.6 billion public funding in a massive shake-up of the licence fee, with funds instead going to help under-pressure ITV and other programme makers.

The interim Digital Britain report released in January outlined plans for every home in the UK to be guaranteed access to broadband internet by 2012.

But concerns have been raised that internet providers may not have the inclination or finance needed for an extended access to broadband project, which would need substantial investment in new infrastructure.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph in April, Lord Carter said there will "certainly be 25% to 30% of the country where there will be no economic case for building a next-generation fixed network", adding that the telecoms industry was unlikely to fund the necessary infrastructure to deliver the service in rural areas.

The interim report also suggested plans to tackle online music and film piracy with a new rights agency.

The agency could be funded via a levy on internet service providers (ISPs) and the music and film industry.

Legislation could force ISPs to take action against people who repeatedly infringe copyright by illegally sharing music and movie files.

But speaking earlier this month while he was still Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham said new rules to tighten up downloading would involve encouraging people to act within the law rather than "criminalising" youngsters.