Ed Richards - COO Ofcom

Ed Richards was announced and isn't here!

Declan Curry says "Is this guy serious? Where is he?"

Ooops. DC now busks till ready. Doing a good job.

Here's Ed:

Content and how it can deliver opportunities for a successful economy.

Conversation 3 years ago would be different - much has changed.

We have more broadband users than narrowband.
Lots of changes in connectivity - 2.2m to 8.9m on broadband.
More than 20 ISPs prices falling at higher bitrates.
New ADSL 2+ launches

Still lots of scope for significant growth.

But 40% of UK households do not have any internet access at all.
PC penetration plateau at 67% now. May see growth of low cost terminals (Xboxes, playstations, other thin client0
Higher use of video, gaming and messaging

Self-generated content is the next big trend. Lots of blogging and games with virtual economies developing around them. Broadband channels emerging - and allowing people to upload 4 minute videos for example on 4docs.

The idea of recruiting the consumer is integral to the development of future content. There is a collision coming between this and broadband - creative collison that will be positive.

New regulatory approach to economic bottlenecks - especially in infrastructure. Much BT change will happen. This will lead to more competition and fairer competition at the wholesale level.

Prospects encouraging - LLU market developing (Easynet/Sky, C&W/Bulldog

[Declan Curry interrupts and tells him to finish in 60 seconds! Ed says - that will be difficult and just carries on]

He goes into polemic now.
Key challenges:
Digital Rights Management
Digital Divide - a new type of digital divide those who can receive very
Content - public service broadcasting and the digital age - need to review what that means
Digital Dividend - spectrum release on switchover

Need to prepare for the future.