Press & PR

Small firms are being hindered by regulatory confusion in their efforts to establish some of the latest business communication services in the east of England, according to reports.

A recent meeting of relevant academic experts, business figures and government representatives met in Ipswich to establish why fibre-to-the-home has been slow in arriving as a widespread service in the region.

It was concluded that many of the issues stem from a lack of clarity with regards to the future of communications regulation, which has stalled investment and progress in what is thought to be an important area of development.

Stephen Holton chief executive of the Centre for Integrated Photonics, which is owned by the East of England Development Agency, said: "A high bandwidth fibre-optic network to each business and home is a vital element for business competitiveness."

Ofcom recently announced its plans to research how difficult it will be to ensure housing and office buildings around the UK can allow next-generation communications technology to be delivered.

Vonage provides internet users with a secure and affordable way to make cheap calls using voip and broadband phone services.