ISPA calls for more ambition on broadband
The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) has called for political parties to be more ambitious with their pledges for the future of broadband in the UK.
Each of the UK's main parties has released their manifestos recently, revealing the promises they are making about the country's broadband infrastructure.
However, the ISPA says that the pledges that have been made so not go far enough, although the body said it was pleased the three main parties all recognise the importance of broadband.
ISPA secretary general Nicholas Lansman said: "The UK internet industry is a success story and all parties need to be more ambitious and recognise the crucial role the internet plays in society and the economy. What industry needs from the next government is an ambitious, clear and detailed vision for the internet and communications sector."
The ISPA is calling for ubiquitous superfast broadband, with the body stating that the next government should look to use investment and incentives in order to build a competitive private sector that could continue to innovate and develop networks.
Caution was urged by the ISPA about the possibility of broadband being treated as a basic utility, as has been promised by chancellor George Osborne. The organisation said this move should be avoided if it comes with "unnecessary and burdensome regulations".
Labour's broadband pledge is to ensure everyone gets access to superfast broadband, while the Conservatives have stated that they will be able to deliver the cheapest broadband in Europe.
The ISPA also praised the "original thinking" on internet policy that has been seen in the Liberal Democrats Digital Bill of Rights, which the body noted "puts more limits on surveillance and acknowledges that public confidence in the internet risks being undermined by excessive obligations and underlines the importance of encryption many online services rely on".
Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
