Both of the UK's main political parties have indicated that they want to provide universal super-fast broadband to the entire country.
The prime minister and the leader of the opposition have both revealed that they want to improve the UK's internet infrastructure.
In an interview with the Observer, Gordon Brown revealed part of the government's plan to help the country through the looming recession, which will see major government investment in public works. One area could be super-fast broadband, which Mr Brown said was similar to the "New Deal" provided by US president Franklin D Roosevelt in the early 20th century to help his country through the Great Depression.
"When we talk about the roads and the bridges and the railways that were built in previous times - and those were anti-recession measures taken to help people through difficult times - you could [by comparison] talk about the digital infrastructure and that form of communications revolution at a period when we want to stimulate the economy," he told the newspaper, adding: "It's a very important thing."
Meanwhile, David Cameron is to say that his party would provide super-fast access for every home within a decade. He will make the claim during the publication of two independent policy reports into how his party will help the "green" industry.
"Fibre optic broadband is changing the way people work and do business, and it has the potential to completely transform our economy," Mr Cameron will say. "It could open up new markets for our creative industries, promote innovation, create new, family-friendly jobs as people can work from home - and help reduce carbon emissions."
