TIGA, the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry, has welcomed the Government’s further investment in faster internet connections.
The Government is investing £67 million into the Nationwide Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), which will provide vouchers worth up to £3000 for a small or medium sized business or £500 to residents to help with the costs of connecting to full fibre broadband.
The scheme is part of a wider government plan to get more homes and businesses connected to full fibre broadband. It builds on the £200 million Local Full Fibre Networks programme which gives funding to local areas to boost full fibre delivery. £95 million of this funding was allocated at Spring Statement to 13 successful bidders across the UK.
Full fibre connections are faster, more reliable and cheaper to operate than traditional copper lines, and are capable of supporting not only gigabit, but terabit and even petabit speeds, which will serve the UK far into the future. Currently only around 3% of UK premises have access to a full fibre connection.
TIGA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Wilson OBE, said:
“TIGA welcomes the introduction of the GBVS. Fast, reliable internet is the backbone of a thriving digital economy and allows consumers to fully experience online entertainment. It is good to see that the Government is incentivising households and businesses to adopt full fibre broadband as soon as possible.
“This measure will support efforts to rebalance the economy. With full fibre broadband connections, digital businesses, including video games studios, can be set up across the UK, spreading jobs and growth outside of traditional tech centres.
“Consumers will also benefit from the GVSB, as it will help them to fully enjoy online entertainment including video games.
“It is important that the UK develops internet connections that at least match and preferably exceed those of other leading developed economies.”
About TIGA
TIGA is the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry. Our core purpose is to strengthen the games development and digital publishing sector. We achieve this by campaigning for the industry in the corridors of power, championing the industry in the media and helping our members commercially.
TIGA is intent on building an enduring organisation which continually improves; a business that will make a significant impact on the games industry and so benefit our membership and the wider economy. Since 2010, TIGA has won 24 business awards, an achievement which reflects TIGA’s drive for improvement and to meet best practice.
For more information visit: www.tiga.org
Get in touch:
Tel: 0845 468 2330
Email: info@tiga.org
Web: www.tiga.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tigamovement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga
For further information, you can also contact:
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO at: richard.wilson@tiga.org