Report plots digital future for UK

The Government's Digital Britain report, outlining wide-ranging plans for the future of the internet and communications industries, is being published.

Lord Carter is unveiling his Digital Britain report Lord Carter is unveiling his Digital Britain report

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.

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