Last month saw the publication of the interim Digital Britain report from UK Minister for Communications Stephen Carter and his team. Most of the headlines have focused on the ’2MB for all by 2012′ promise, but the report raises other issues for digital publishing. National high-speed broadband access is likely to be a reality if not in 3 then at least 5 years time – regardless of the Government – as users expect more and more instant access to media and communications, free and online. The report’s target in this regard – everyone in Britain to have access to broadband with a data rate of at least 2 megabits per second by 2012 – is in any case undemanding, since this can already be delivered to over 90% of the population (source: Informitv), and the average broadband home in Britain actually receives around 3.6Mbps at the moment (source: Ofcom). Neither can the report be said to be particularly forward-looking, with its focus on DAB (a format which consumers have not shown themselves to be that enthusiastic about so far) and digital television networks: there is mounting evidence that the under-30 age group regularly, if not exclusively, access entertainment media through the internet. The report is right in noting, however, the importance of wireless broadband for current and future delivery of content. The surge in demand created by the popularity of the iPhone and other factors has made this channel increasingly vital. While the main focus of the report is on audio / visual content, there are several key points that relate to the online publishing market. Continue reading →