APPENDIX 17
Memorandum submitted by Access Devices
Limited
Access Devices wishes to submit the following
with regard to progress towards universal internet and digital
television broadcast access in the UK.
Access Devices designs and manufactures a range
of internet access and digital television broadcast decoding equipment.
Our devices are broadly recognised as offering the services consumer
what they want at very low cost. Although we are currently a small
business, our wide range of industry-leading partners is testament
to the credibility of our technology; we have attached a selection
of recent technology and national press cuttings to affirm our
integrity.
We wish to submit that the cost of manufacturing
such systems is almost certainly below the Committee's current
expectations and set to fall further.
Access Devices will shortly begin production
of an internet access plus free-to-air digital decoder set-top
box that will cost less than $100 to manufacture. We believe that
this cost will fall by as much as 60 per cent over the next four
years and suggests that by 2005 we could manufacture one system
for universal internet access and digital television reception
for approximately $40.
Access Devices wishes to play an active role
in the debate; we will be meeting with the BBC shortly and would
be pleased to provide written or oral submissions to the Committee.
5 December 2001
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