Britain's next generation broadband network will be substantially different from the copper cable network being used today, it has been claimed.
According to Francesco Caio, one of the government's chief advisors on internet access in the UK, the future will be a patchwork of community-based networks, reports the BBC.
He added the challenge was to get all these networks to work together effectively.
"Building a network has traditionally been associated with big companies but there is going to be a major shift to local communities being the owners of their own networks," he told the news provider.
In his latest report, Mr Caio puts forward the idea of a Community Broadband Network, an umbrella group for the new generation of internet projects, the BBC states.
Meanwhile BT and Virgin Media are moving ahead with plans for between 50 and 100Mbps broadband.
In related news, Orange has halted plans for an on-demand TV service saying it cannot compete with BT Vision.
Last Updated: 06/11/2008 16:46
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