Richard Higgs, CEO of Scottish data centre and cloud provider, brightsolid, has made the following comments on the omission of digital infrastructure from the Chancellor’s spending review announcement:
“Today’s budget will be a disappointment to many colleagues within the technology community. While broadband was mentioned in the full spending review policy paper – which is really encouraging – the details were missing in Osborne’s speech. Despite having recently promised to make access to fast broadband a legal right for everyone by 2020, the omission in today’s announcement suggests that internet provision is not seen as a priority.
“We need dedicated resources to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of digital innovation, and infrastructure has to be the foundation. And this isn’t just my view, earlier in the month 100 MPs and Peers from various political parties signed an open letter urging the Chancellor to include investment in communications infrastructure and digital skills as part of the Spending Review.
“Technology has changed the world at a rapid rate and will continue to do so with increasing speed. The economy as a whole would benefit if we get the basics right. We need to work towards a more equal provision of and access to technology, only then can we claim to be an ‘advanced’ nation. A more equal distribution of digital wealth will help close the gap.
“It’s a logical fix. The right investment, in the right places would transform the UK’s digital economy and provide opportunities for every city in the country to become a tech-enabled. With better infrastructure across the country and increased digital learning, including mentoring for young enthusiasts, we’ll see a big difference. Hopefully the government can work towards making digital Britain a reality. ”
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