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By Sally Watson, 9 October 2001 16:10

NEWS Ecommerce minister Douglas Alexander has fleshed out a £30m initiative to encourage broadband suppliers to provide high-speed net access to some of Britain's remotest areas. Originally announced in February by predecessor Patricia Hewitt, the fund will be used to help Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) plan and develop broadband schemes to attract operators into economically unattractive rural areas. Alexander has spent his first few months in the e-minister post carving up the cash for different areas. Scotland has emerged with the largest slice, taking £4.4m. The South West (£3.8m), the East (£3.2m), and Yorkshire and Humberside (£3.1m) are next on the list. According to Alexander, the funding reflects the government's determination to see broadband reach the whole of the UK. "I'm keen to see the money used as effectively as possible," he told silicon.com. "We will also be able to harness knowledge from the project to help inform central government." Despite the initial allocations, RDAs will still have to provide detailed plans for the use of the networks before the funds are released. Most schemes will hinge on 'innovation centres' in schools, libraries and community centres, providing access for a large number of citizens. "Our approach allows for local solutions to local challenges," Alexander added. The task is likely to prove challenging. Labour has pledged to get Britain to the top of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) broadband table by 2005. It is currently languishing in ninth place. "This is a challenge for both the public and private sectors," Alexander admitted. "We're already working hard, but the responsibility is on the companies in this sector as well and we need further steps from the industry."