DPA calls for 'urgent review' of super-fast broadband policy
A group of influential technology firms have called for an urgent review of the government's super-fast broadband strategy.
The Digital Policy Alliance (DPA), which counts the likes of BT, IBM and Microsoft among its members, criticised the Conservative-led coalition for failing to inject sufficient competition into the Broadband Delivery UK framework.
Only BT and Fujitsu have been named as approved suppliers by the government, leaving many innovative providers unable to offer their services to the process, the newly formed organisation warned.
"The current approach would appear completely at odds with the localism agenda," said Edward Phelps, secretary general of the DPA.
According to Mr Phelps, the alliance is the only organisation to bring together industry experts with charities, civil servants and politicians to illustrate to government the "unprecedented potential for public good" that can be achieved through effective digital policies.
Former Downing Street adviser Sean Worth predicted the next "big digital revolution" will come in the area of public policy, promoting growth and jobs, and contributing to a better-networked and more inclusive society.
"Broadband is a big part of realising that vision," he added.
