The rollout of high-speed wireless internet across the UK could force construction projects out of the UK, says one building consultancy firm.
Derek Webster, associate director of McBains Cooper, told the Times the new initiative will require a significant increase in fibre optic capability and huge data centres to support the extra capacity.
He warns that high electricity prices could force companies to build the centres abroad and UK companies could be denied extra work.
Mr Webster added that the average centre uses as much energy as the city of Leicester and said: "The main issue is power, power and more power."
According to Mr Webster, constraints on Britain's energy networks already mean that contractors are already finding it difficult to secure contracts with electricity suppliers.
Last month saw the government publish its Digital Britain report.
Its recommendations aim to maximise the economic and social benefits of digital technologies.
Measures to be introduced include universal access to broadband by 2012 and an upgrade to digital radio by 2015.
Last Updated: 29/07/2009 16:34
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