The BSG’s 'Pipe Dreams?' report recommended that further work should be undertaken to identify models for efficient public sector interventions to support the deployment of next generation broadband networks in areas where persistent market failure is most likely to occur. This work will build on the Ofcom/DTI Best Practice Guide on Public Broadband Schemes, published in 2007.

The report sets out to answer the following questions:

• Why might some form of public sector intervention be necessary in some areas?
• Where are such interventions likely to be required?
• What form of interventions might be most appropriate?
• How should such interventions be structured and funded?
• What should be the criteria for deciding whether public sector intervention should be considered in a particular area?

In February 2008 the BSG appointed Analysys Mason to undertake the work. They were supported by a steering group and the BSG Executive (view the membership of the steering group), as well as undertaking interviews with various stakeholders in the UK.

The report is now in its final stages, and will be launched at the BSG Conference 'Beyond Pipe Dreams: Prospects for Next Generation Broadband in the UK'. The report will be available on this site following the launch.

Download the full report 

View the report press release

As part of the research into this project the BSG visited the OnsNet project in Nuenen, the Netherlands. In this town outside of Eindhoven, a local cooperative have built a fibre to the home (FTTH) network, connecting the vast majority of residents. For more information please see the report from the Nuenen trip.

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