AESAR, POLO, and ESAU Papers: Cold War Era Hard Target Analysis of Soviet and Chinese Policy and Decision Making, 1953-1973

Broadband for All - An Alternative Vision (HL 41) reports that 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. The Committee is concerned that the Government’s investment in this area could be a missed opportunity, although it is not too late to change course. As part of an alternative approach, policy should be driven by the need to arrest and ultimately eliminate the digital divide, rather than deliver enhanced provision for those who already have good connections. Many services will increasingly be delivered via the internet, including critical public services; without better provision some people stand to be marginalized or excluded altogether. The realization 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 thes