The Government is preoccupied with speed rather than focusing on access and the imperative of creating a ‘future proof’ national network which is built to last. As a result, the Committee is concerned that the Government’s investment in this area could be a tremendous missed opportunity, albeit that it is not too late to change course. As part of an alternative approach policy in this area should be driven by the need to arrest and ultimately eliminate the digital divide - rather than deliver enhanced provision for those with already good connections. Many services will increasingly be delivered via the internet - including critical public services - and without better provision this will mean that people are marginalised or excluded altogether. The realisation of the Committee’s proposal lies in the creation of a robust and resilient national network, bringing open access fibre-optic hubs within reach of every community. Open access to these fibre-optic hubs would provide a platform for local communities and businesses to access the broadband provision they want in the short term, and to upgrade that access flexibly as needs evolve over time. The Committee also recommends: that Ofcom actively considers changes to several aspects of the regulatory regime; the Government should undertake a detailed costing of the Committee’s proposal; that the Government pay urgent attention to the way public funds are being distributed, particularly the operation of the Rural Community Broadband Fund; the Government & industry should consider the long term possibility of switching terrestrial broadcast from spectrum to the internet