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Image: small strategy unit logo Prime Minister announces study of UK electronic networks (8/5/2002)

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, today announced that he has asked the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) to carry out a project examining the development of Electronic Networks in the UK over the next decade.

The project will look at predicted technology and market developments; the importance of Electronic Networks to UK productivity and growth; and the regulatory challenges for the next decade. The output of the project will be a report to Government, which will assist with the setting of future Government policy and approach, and will contribute to strategic thinking for the new regulator OFCOM.

Responsibility for the current performance, development and economic impact of UK Electronic Networks already lies with groups including the DTI, Oftel, the Office of the e-Envoy, HM Treasury, the Broadband Stakeholders Group and those involved in the Digital TV Action Plan. The PIU has been asked to take a long-term strategic view to complement this existing body of work.

The Prime Minister announced the project in response to a parliamentary question from Mr Kevin Hughes MP (Doncaster North).

Mr Blair said:

'Electronic Networks are important to the UK both economically and socially. Government has an important role to play in their development along with the private sector. The current work to set up the new regulator OFCOM gives us a good opportunity to take stock of how the UK can benefit from developments in Electronic Networks over the next decade.'

Douglas Alexander, Minister of State for e-Commerce and Competitiveness at the DTI, will be Sponsor Minister for the project. The PIU aims to complete the project by Summer 2002.

Notes for editors

A scoping note outlining the background to the PIU project will be available on the PIU website (www.piu.gov.uk).

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