Mixed reaction to Blair's promises

The Prime Minister nailed his colours to the mast last week: technology is central to public service reform.

Some £6bn will be invested between 2003 and 2006, of which £1bn will be for broadband, he announced.

And by 2006 all UK schools will have high-speed internet access, he announced.

Reactions from the Computing-led Broadband Britain committee of MPs, analysts and business and public sector representatives are mixed.

The language is right, but a lack of clarity about financial details remains, says Conservative former science minister Ian Taylor MP.

'The plan to connect all schools is easy to say, but what does it mean in areas where broadband is not commercially viable?

'The government can't just state objectives and not specify the means?'

Economic competitiveness is the most important issue, says Liberal Democrat IT spokesman Richard Allan.

'The hard part is getting to small rural or suburban businesses who want the same access as competitors either in urban centres here or in the US,' said Allan.

Institute of Directors director of emarketing Jonathan Cummings said: 'Too many small businesses still see the benefits of broadband as being able to do the same things faster. Government and other stakeholders need to demonstrate the benefits.'

Economic growth should be higher up the agenda than public service reform, says Richard Cadman, analyst at telecoms expert Beaufort International.

'We really want to see campaigns and actions by government to help increase the use of broadband to deliver innovation and competitiveness in the economy, that'sar more important than making government itself efficient.'

But technology projects are changing the way government works, says NHS Information Authority head of access to information Carrie Armitage.

'I am seeing a willingness to work together and share information. There is a concerted effort across government to get it right this time.'

Despite the commitment to connect all schools, the PM made no mention of universal service for residential areas.

MP Derek Wyatt said: 'The concept of universality has been ditched. But the market can't take broadband further without clever tax breaks or government funding.'

If connectivity is to become the next utility, the spending on broadband for schools will need to be carefully managed, says education expert Steve Molyneux.

'Schools will need advice on sustainable networks - otherwise we are going to need another £1bn in three years' time. Electricity, water and gas are existing utilities - the next thing has to be connectivity.'