The role will come into force when Andrew Pinder, the current E-envoy, completes his four-year contract in April 2004. The new head "will play a pivotal role in supporting the Prime Minister's vision for public service reform," according to former E-commerce Minister Douglas Alexander. The announcement was made as Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt published an annual report on the UK broadband market by super-regulator Ofcom. Although the report found that 96% of the population knew where and how to get internet access, it found that only two-thirds of government services were online.
"We want to now build on the momentum to ensure that everyone has access to a digital network by 2008 in their own home," said Hewitt.
She praised the work Mr Pinder had done in his four-year role as E-envoy charged with getting people and services online by 2005. And further added that it was a tribute to his efforts that the government had decided to appoint a dedicated person to take on the "e-agenda."
As part of the Government's move to take the "e-agenda" to the next stage, Hewitt also announced the creation of a private sector-led Digital Inclusion Panel. The panel will advise the Government on ways it can meet its new target of providing every UK citizen with access to a digital network by 2008.
The new target not only encompasses broadband services but also includes narrowband, digital terrestrial, cable and satellite TV.
"The Digital Inclusion Panel will play a key role in helping us ensure that every home in the UK should have a connection to online services through the digital network by 2008 - whether through a personal computer, DTV, mobile phone or other device," Hewitt said.
She also stressed that the Government still planned to provide internet access for all who want it by 2005.
The Government has been criticised for its ability to deliver online public services by its original deadline of 2005. A survey of 97 local government officers and members, which was conducted at the IRRV Annual conference in October, revealed that only 68% of respondents believed their authority was on track to meet the targets.
Last week Douglas Alexander, now Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, published 'Digital Television - a policy framework for accessing e-government services.' The document calls for individual government departments to evaluate the benefits of digital TV as an alternative to online services.
Quelle: NetImperative, 16.12.2003
