Ref: 59/03
Date: 17 November 2003

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, welcomed this morning’s announcement by BT that it was aiming for 100 per cent broadband coverage for the UK by 2005.

David Edmonds said:

"BT’s announcement to set broadband trigger levels for a further 2,300 local exchanges is excellent news. It suggests that 100 per cent broadband coverage for the UK by 2005 is now within sight. It is good news for small businesses wishing to maximise the benefits of trading on the Internet and for consumers wanting ever faster access with more advanced services.

"Delivering the final few percent will still require considerable effort from all those involved.

"The regulator’s role is to ensure that the UK has a broadband market which is not only geographically comprehensive but competitive. Oftel’s work to date has ensured not only strong roll-out of broadband availability but only also consumer choice and some of the lowest prices in Europe. I am confident that Ofcom will carry forward this approach as we increasingly get close to total coverage."