Information society : agenda for action in the UK : evidence received after 31 March 1996 / Select Committee on Science and Technology.
- Great Britain. Parliament. House of Lords. Science and Technology Committee.
- Date:
- 1996
Licence: Open Government Licence
Credit: Information society : agenda for action in the UK : evidence received after 31 March 1996 / Select Committee on Science and Technology. Source: Wellcome Collection.
53/324 page 355
![a a Se SS SS 23 April 1996] [Continued competition to the telephony market but it will inevitably constrain the development of the multimedia market, since investment in broadband infrastructure by the major telecommunication operators is at present discouraged. SERVICE STANDARDS Reliability Two PTOs (BT and Hull Telecommunications) are subject to detailed service standards, setting targets for reliability and quality of services offered to customers. No such standards apply to existing broadcast TV services, and of course have not yet been formulated for interactive multimedia services. Compatibility Compatibility between services depends upon the adoption of specific protocols and interfaces (eg MPEG) and concepts such as universal service. These are addressed elsewhere in this memorandum in response to subsequent questions. Other service standards are also likely to emerge in relation to the commercial and legal frameworks and will probably have to address security, fraud, confidentiality, copyright, liability, etc. In many cases service standards will emerge as part of brand integrity rather than through legislation. Question 4. How can universal access to services provided for the common good be secured within a commercially competitive market framework? Universal access to information services is not readily compatible with a commercially competitive market framework. This is likely to remain true for the foreseeable future. However, commercial freedom to operate will be vital for both large and small companies, without any initial imposition of a requirement for universal service. Only when there are sufficiently large numbers of people unable to gain access to services which have been proved fundamentally important should steps be taken to redress the situation. Universal availability of broadband services to every home regardless of likely use would cost a great deal. It is most unlikely to be justifiable in the foreseeable future, as it would require massive cross subsidies from other users (or the tax payer). It should however, be possible to make services available to the general public in areas of concentrated use such as libraries and schools. The Government should promote this approach. If universal service is imposed, the Government should ensure that the service providers are not commercially disadvantaged. Company shareholders should not have to fund exclusively what may amount to social requirements. Question 5. What is the role of central Government in connection with the “Information Superhighway” service provision, including the following areas: (i) leadership; (ii) promoting inward investment; (iii) promoting and safeguarding the interests of UK firms worldwide; (iv) promoting network compatibility; (v) access to Government information, (vi) security of payment; (vii) data protection, confidentiality and censorship; (viii) verification of information; and (ix) promoting the development of UK-oriented software. LEADERSHIP The role of the Government will be crucial in creating a climate of commercial freedom in which services can be developed on the basis of entrepreneurial initiative. In particular the Government should: — provide the correct regulatory structure — a light hand on regulation with the emphasis on commercial freedom; — fair and reasonable terms for interconnection; — freedom to use technologies of choice; — _ prices set competitively; — financial returns commensurate with investment and risk; — the convergence of the many current regulatory agencies; — stimulate the market through Government funded long term, pre-competitive research and development. The final implementation of particular technologies should be left to commercial decision-making by the market.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b32218631_0053.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
