Policy paper

Connectivity, content and consumers: Britain's digital platform for growth

Following our review of the media and telecommunications sectors, this policy paper sets out areas for action.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Documents

Connectivity, content and consumers: Britain's digital platform for growth

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Electronic programme guides impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Nuisance calls: information sharing impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Aligning multiplex and public service broadcast licences impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Spectrum management impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Switching suppliers for 'bundled' communications services (like broadband, phone line and TV) impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Deregulating Teletext impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Impact Assessment: R18 Content Access Controls

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Impact Assessment: Banning content rated stronger than R18 on video on demand (Communications Review)

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The UK has built strong digital foundations, and we are reaping the benefits, but in the face of rapid change, we cannot afford to be complacent. Following a two year review of the media and telecommunications sectors, this paper identifies four areas for action:

  1. World-class connectivity: as new technologies emerge, from cloud computing to connected TVs, there is an ever greater demand for bandwidths and faster connection speeds. We will continue to deliver the digital infrastructure to support this.

  2. World-beating innovative content: our Public Service Broadcasters are the envy of the world, and are still the driving force behind much of the high-quality UK-produced programming that is in demand at home and abroad. As the online environment changes how we watch TV, we will act to maintain our model of Public Service Broadcasting and we will continue to support wider investment in high-quality, UK content.

  3. Consumer safety: the internet has brought information, knowledge and opportunities, but it can also cause confusion and concern. For example, parents want to know that their children are safe when they are online, just as they want to know they are safe when playing outside. We will act to provide the protections and the standards that people want and expect.

  4. Cost of living: in challenging economic circumstances, it is even more important that households are able to choose from a range of innovative and affordable media and telecommunications products and services. We will act to ensure that people have access to the information they need to be able to make the right choices for them, and understand their options for recourse.

Alongside this strategy paper, we have published a consultation on media ownership and plurality.

Published 30 July 2013