Much of the work in implementing next-generation broadband and bringing two megabits per second internet access to UK homes by 2012 must be taken up by the communications industry, it is believed.

Partner with strategy and market developments at Ofcom Peter Phillips put forward his case at the Westminster eForum keynote seminar, Broadband for All?.

He explained that the internet is more than just a battleground for "geeks" and "cyber visionaries" and stressed its economic importance in the modern day, such as small businesses in IT.

Mr Phillips noted that a period of five years has seen broadband evolve from a small, under-used product for technology lovers to something which has become an essential part of most homes across the UK.

He added that the Business and Enterprise Select Committee is in the process of questioning whether or not the target of two megabits per second for universal access in three years time is a high enough target, arguing that it may need to be raised.

The event which Mr Phillips and hundreds of technology delegates attended was held at Adelaide House, London on July 16th.

More than half of small businesses (53 per cent) believe that the most important benefit of outsourcing is guaranteed response times for IT support. London-based Connect conducted the research in 2007.