Broadband Matters When People Figure Out What to Do with It

"The U.K.’s broadband market is already in rude health," said Ed Vaizy, U.K. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries. What the heck does that mean?

Basically, that the United Kingdom has done a good job of bringing low cost broadband access to its people, offering access at low prices, caused by high degrees of market competition. Challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. 

"The U.K. currently benefits from low prices and a high degree of competition in the broadband market," said Vaizy.  "The U.K. has the best deals available for consumers across a selection of pricing bundles in the major European economies."

But the role of "demand stimulation" also was cited as key. In other words, beyond making access possible, as much hinges on people figuring out ways to use broadband to grow the economy. 

"But we cannot create a world class connected Britain just by laying more fiber in the ground or building new base stations," Vaizy said. " It is also crucial that we get as many people as possible online enjoying the benefits presented by better connectivity, and also encourage British companies to expand and develop their internet-based operations."

"Ultimately it is users that will turn infrastructure investment into growth," he said.

In other words, a fixation on "raw speed" is misplaced. What ultimately matters more is what people figure out they can do with broadband, in ways that benefit the economy.