This is why we must do all we can to bring down the barriers to connection and getting on-line. Multiple access channels to our services is a primary goal for government. Everything from the Internet, Kiosks, Mobile phones, and Digital TV to name but a few. Digital TV is of increasing importance to our agenda. It's a future means of universal access for not only giving the citizen an enhanced experience but also ensuring social inclusivity for our services.
People are much more comfortable with a TV and a remote control rather than a PC and keyboard.
That is why we intend to make Digital Television a major channel for our UK Online Citizen Portal. But we are doing much more on developing structures to improve access. A key strand of UK online is ensuring universal access to the Internet by 2005. We are creating a new network of UK online centres, where citizens will be able to surf the net, and get advice and training if and when they need it. The first 600 centres have already been announced by the Prime Minister.