Queen's speech highlights digital priorities

Government makes Digital Britain key to its parliamentary programme

The government has made its Digital Britain plans key to its parliamentary programme in the run up to the general election next spring.

The Queen announced "a Bill to ensure a communications infrastructure that is fit for the digital age, [one that] supports future economic growth, delivers competitive communications and enhances public service broadcasting".

This is in addition to a clause introducing the "telephone tax" — the 50p per month per line levy — which will be used to finance the more rapid spread of superfast broadband in areas where it would not be commercially viable.

But there is a question over whether the government will be able to push the 13 Bills outlined in the speech through parliament before the election, which much be called by June.

There is also speculation that prime minister Gordon Brown will go to the country sooner, perhaps immediately after the Budget in the spring - making the pledges in the budget speech part of his election manifesto.

Downing Street made it clear the proposal to disconnect serial copyright infringers from the internet are "reserve powers" which will only be used "if needed".

The main plank in its two-stage approach to copyright is to make legal action more effective and educate consumers about copyright online.

Other aims of the bill include:

- promoting digital communications through proposals on radio licensing and changes to Ofcom's duties;

- supporting the plurality of local and regional radio and TV news, including by funding independent news consortia;

- giving Ofcom new duties to promote investment in infrastructure and carry out an assessment of communications infrastructure every two years;

- modernising spectrum to enable investment in next generation technologies;

- protecting children by making age ratings compulsory for boxed video games for those aged 12 or over.

A spokesman said the rapid drive to digital technology "is transforming how business and people operate" and provides "great opportunities".

He said: "Not only does the digital economy contribute around 8 per cent of our GDP, it is vital for the success of every other area of the economy.

"[Digital technology] is growing in significance as we plan for recovery from the economic downturn. The government is committed to securing the UK's position as one of the world's leading digital knowledge economies."