In its Pipe Dreams? report, published in April 2007, the BSG recommended that further research be undertaken to understand the potential economic and social value of next generation broadband to the UK.

In Autumn 2007 Plum Consulting were appointed to undertake the research. They were supported by the Economic and Social Value steering group, made up of representatives from:

• AOL/Time Warner
• BERR
• BSG
• BT
• DCMS
• Ericsson
• London School of Economics
• mBlox
• MCPS-PRS Alliance
• Ofcom
• Ofcom Consumer Panel
• Plum Consulting
• SWeRDA
• The Work Foundation
• University of Southampton  

The resulting report looks at the incremental economic and social value that could accrue to the UK from the widespread availability and take-up of next generation broadband and the social and economic shortfall that might result from incomplete coverage or adoption.

The objective was to create a framework, agreed with key public and private stakeholders for understanding the economic and social value of next generation broadband, and not simply to deliver a definitive number regarding the value of next generation broadband.

The report was published at the BSG Conference 'Beyond Pipe Dreams? Prospects for Next Generation Broadband in the UK'.

Download the full report

Find out further information regarding the report 

View the launch press release