Michael Turner

Ottawa, Canada

Independent e-Government Consultant

Interesting to see what the UK is doing. (And saying.) Here in Canada, latest stats show that about 73% of homes have internet service, and 50% of homes have DSL or Cable broadband, which would equate to 67% of users now being on broadband. There is vigorous competition between the Telcos and Cable industries, and though our definition of "broadband" tends to be somewhat flexible, my cable service is probably representative --- I'm routinely seeing downloads of between 2Mbps to 3Mbps, and as low as 500Kbps from some slower sites. And I get always on unlimited use at $38 Cdn / month, or about 16 pounds sterling if my calculator is right. Incidentally, we also now have broadband internet available throughout all but the high arctic via a new Canadian direct broadcast Ka band high power satellite. This is an option for those in deep rural areas that can't get cable or DSL service. Though it's almost twice the cost.