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United Kingdom : Mayor and Internet providers pledge to improve London s digital connectivity [TendersInfo (India)](TendersInfo (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) London s largest internet providers will meet the Mayor of London today (September 16) at a summit to discuss how to make the capital the best connected city in Europe and further improve affordable access to superfast connections for homes and small businesses. Whilst London leads Europe in much of its broadband connectivity there are still concerns - slow and unreliable broadband is a common complaint from some high-tech businesses in the capital - and the Mayor s Office believe a shift from basic broadband to superfast could boost London s economy by around £4bn by 2024. The Mayor wants 99 per cent of properties in the capital to have access to affordable superfast connections by 2018. Currently Ofcom estimate that 89 per cent of the capital can obtain superfast connections through fibre broadband but only 25 opt for the faster link. The Mayor s Office also estimate there are 6,500 properties in not-spots areas - where internet speeds run ten times slower than the average speed across the capital. The Mayor is keen to explore solutions with providers that will enable improved uptake of super-fast broadband and eliminate the problem of not-spots around the Capital. Against that background, London s first ever Connectivity Summit will see Internet companies including Virgin Media, BT and Telefonica meet today. The Mayor will encourage them to work with his team to improve connectivity and deliver fast and universal access to the Internet from both mobile and fixed devices so that London remains one of the best cities in the world to live, work and do business in. The summit follows publication in July of the Mayor s London Infrastructure Plan 2050 - the first ever attempt to set out the full range of infrastructure requirements for the capital over the next half century, during which time the population of London is forecast to increase by thirty seven per cent to more than 11 million people. The plan recommends working towards London becoming potentially the first capital city in the world to deploy 5G (by 2020) and to ensure that WiFi coverage is significantly improved. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: The Internet is now considered the fourth utility and if we are to remain competitive in the global economy and bolster our reputation as the greatest city on earth we need to ensure every Londoner is able to access the very best digital connectivity. By bringing together the great and good of the digital community we are today committing to ensuring that London has the infrastructure in place to stay ahead of our competitors while enabling businesses and residents to take full advantage of its benefits. (c) 2014 Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |