Study outlines Britain's digital future

Andy Burnham has set out details of a wide-ranging report on the future of Britain's digital economy.

The culture secretary told MPs that the study set out a "clear and comprehensive framework" for the future.

The interim review, led by communications minister Lord Carter, called for infrastructure upgrades to modernise the UK's digital networks.

It also backed a "dynamic investment climate for British digital content, applications and services" and a strategy for providing high-quality public service content.

And the review said there should be "fair access for all" and sufficient infrastructure, skills and take-up to enable widespread online delivery of public services.

This could mean everyone in the UK having access to broadband at a speed of at least two megabits per second - a speed which can handle more video and website interactivity.

"Britain must always be ready to benefit from the latest advances in technology," said Burnham.

"So we will establish a strategy group to assess measures to underpin existing market-led investment plans for Next Generation Access networks.

"An umbrella body will also be set up to provide technical advice and support to local and community networks.

"To facilitate the move to next generation mobile services, we are specifying a Wireless Radio Spectrum Modernisation Programme.

"In addition, the government is also committing to enabling Digital Audio Broadcasting to be a primary distribution network for radio in the UK; and will create a digital migration plan for radio."

On internet piracy, the creation of a new digital rights agency is to be considered.

Internet service providers may also be required to directly notify those taking part in illegal file-sharing about their activity.

The full report and final proposals will be set out later this summer.