16 Jan 2002
Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell today reaffirms the Government’s commitment to making the UK the leading global player e.commerce and to support the establishment of a world class broadband telecoms infrastructure to increase the competitiveness of businesses throughout Scotland.
At a reception for Scottish MPs, in London’s BT Tower, hosted by BT, Mrs Liddell will stress the importance for Scotland of reaping the full potential of the new information and communication technologies. She will say:
"Our approach has been built on the belief that to maximise the benefits of the new economy for all means government working with a wide range of interests. A good example of this is the flagship initiative "UK online", a partnership between government, industry, the voluntary sector, trades unions and consumer groups to give everyone who wants it access to the internet.
"We also recognise the Government can lead by example. We have set ourselves the target of making all Government services available on line by 2005 and ensuring that all our citizens have the opportunity to access those services through the internet, digital television or in libraries or other local centres.
"To encourage research into new technology, over the next three years, we are providing:
"Broadband technology is important for Scotland’s world competitiveness, for tomorrow’s businesses, for tomorrow’s public services and important in helping rural areas overcome the barriers of distance.
"That is why we set up the Broadband Stakeholder Group and recently announced our Broadband Strategy. This is aimed at speeding-up the growth of the Broadband market and stimulating a virtuous circle in which demand and supply grow in parallel, each reinforcing each other while maximising competition at all parts of the chain.
"The Government and the Scottish Government are keen to stimulate the uptake of this new technology and ensure that Scotland is able to take full advantage of its benefits. The Scottish Government’s approach is to find ways to maximise the impact of the public sector’s own requirements and investment. They are looking to invest in broadband capacity for public services in ways that stimulate providers to supply a wider range of services to businesses and consumers. Indeed the public sectors own use may also stimulate demand from business and consumers.
"But having the infrastructure in place is only the start, We need to enable everyone to be able take advantage of it. So we also need to tackle the issues of "digital inclusion" which begins with the education system and the promotion of lifelong learning.
"These initiatives of ours and the parallel work of the telecoms industry represent represent the next steps in developing the UK’s Broadband market. Together we will fulfil our commitment to make the UK the best place in the world for e-commerce."
NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS
The Broadband Stakeholder Group is a forum bringing together suppliers of infrastructure, services and content with their customers from the public and private sectors.