Broadband after COVID

In this short paper for BSG, we look at the changes in broadband usage during COVID; consider which changes are likely to be permanent; and discuss the implications for broadband policy.

Broadband in the time of COVID-19

While there was initially concern in the media that broadband networks might not be able to cope with increased traffic due to COVID-19, in reality the internet has held up well. This paper by Robert Kenny explores how UK traffic has changed as result of lockdown, the impact on network performance, and the reasons why ISPs were well placed to cope.

Changing news consumption and implications for plurality

In this report prepared for News International and submitted to the Leveson Inquiry, Robert Kenny reviews changes in the 'chain of influence' between news proprietors and citizens, and the implications for plurality legislation.

Children's TV tax credits

On behalf of Pact, Communications Chambers prepared a paper setting out the case for a tax credit for children's TV production in the UK.

This was an important component of Pact's successful campaign to secure such a credit, which was announced by the Chancellor in December 2014.

Cloud – capturing the silver lining for Europe

This report explains why cloud is important, how the market for cloud is growing and changing and how to ensure policy promoters rather than hinders the opportunity for Europe to capture the silver lining from cloud.

Cloud computing is a key building block for digitalisation providing storage, compute, software applications and AI training and inference on demand. Cloud underpins tech and provides a valued input for European startups and scaleups who benefit from the flexibility, range of applications and pay as you go nature of cloud.

The key to success is allowing cloud providers to get on with the job whilst focusing on removing input bottlenecks – in particular permitting, grid and energy. Applying a fee to data flows, regulating cloud like telecoms, or taking an a priori view of where compute should be located or who should provide it, as has been variously suggested, would in contrast prove counterproductive and widen rather than narrow the productivity gap.