Adrian Ramsay, deputy leader of the Green Party, in responding to today's "Manifesto for a Networked Nation" report from Martha Lane-Fox, said:
"David Cameron may say that 'promoting digital inclusion is essential for a dynamic modern economy' -- but he will need to put government funding towards Internet access in every Jobcentre Plus centre, and engagement projects to reach the 10 million not currently on the Internet, for that rhetoric to become a reality.
"We must ensure universal access to broadband. It is a matter of social equality. 47% of those people living in households who earn less than £11,500 do not use the Internet, and yet we have an economy where job adverts are increasingly placed online, and where 90% of new jobs require computer skills. Lack of access to fast broadband is an obstacle to many businesses and employees, especially in rural areas.
"BT should have an obligation to provide broadband capable infrastructure to every household. The principle of universal access at the same base price to the household should prevail as with post and telephone services. We agree with Martha Lane Fox's 'Manifesto for a Networked Nation' when it says that 'we should work towards ensuring that people have easy and affordable access to the Internet in the same way they can access water, electricity or gas.'
"BT is making massive profits from broadband connections in urban areas. It should be forced to use some of this money to ensure everyone has access to broadband."