UK Budget 2010: Darling puts emphasis on broadband for all

United Kingdom Chancellor Alistair Darling reiterated the government's commitment to making Britain a digital world leader, with plans for a major broadband roll out.

He announced super-fast broadband for 90% of homes by 2017, funded by a £6 annual tax on landline phones. The Conservatives have vowed to scrap the tax if they win the next election. Fast net services will create "hundreds of thousands" of new jobs while putting services online will lower the cost of public spending, the chancellor said.