DEMOS

As the number of connections grows by 50,000 every week, broadband internet is increasingly a social phenomenon and a political issue. However, as broadband opens up the public realm, its political direction may be determined as much by users as policy-makers. 

Demos has carried out in-depth research into public attitudes to broadband, and will paint a detailed picture of how high-speed access changes the way people use the internet. Broadband Britain is the interim report of the project.

Broadband access makes possible the ‘end of asymmetry’; a shift of power from institutions to individuals.  Far from an anomaly, a music industry revolutionised by broadband is but the leading edge of a set of changes that may sweep across our creative industries and public services.

Broadband users are already changing fast, becoming increasingly confident and pro-active:

·  The majority have posted content online, and 18% post daily

·  A fifth maintain websites and the same number have logged on before breakfast

·  A quarter have organised get-togethers online

As a result, we argue that public institutions will increasingly be judged against four emerging principles; flexibility, personal support and engagement, community and citizen leadership.  Broadband may help to unleash a set of challenges to which our public services must respond.