Onzo

Onzo, the leading designer of global home energy management systems, has welcomed the intention of the government, announced by Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy, to appoint a Digital Champion to promote the government’s agenda in this area, and the action plan for digital inclusion that has been published for consultation.

Onzo argues that the internet should no longer be seen as a technology that simply enables entertainment but as a data and communications technology everyone could benefit from, as they do with fixed line telephony. Commenting on this, Onzo’s Chief Executive Joel Hagan said: “The internet now requires a universal service obligation in the same way as water, electricity and fixed-line telecoms. A wide range of valuable services would be enabled by broadband to every home. Home healthcare, home security, and home energy and water management are among these. They all underpin quality of life and we don’t want to see the digital divide increasing between the haves and the have-nots. The UK could lead the world in this area if the government acts boldly and with foresight.”

Onzo will be developing its arguments further in response to the consultation the Department for Communities and Local Government has initiated, as part of the company’s drive to contribute to the formulation of public policy in this area.

Notes for editors:

Department for Communities and Local Government: Delivering Digital Inclusion: An Action Plan for Consultation is available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/deliveringdigitalinclusion.