GOVERNMENT minister Stephen Timms has called for the whole of the UK to have access to highspeed broadband Internet links by the end of 2005.

The Department of Trade and Industry official called on the broadband industry, Government and the regions to work together to achieve that objective.

He used the efforts made by regional development agency One NorthEast to create a knowledge-based economy as an example.

Speaking at The Cambridge-MIT Institute's (CMI's) Entrepreneurship Summit, in Newcastle, the minister said that he had been struck by the impact of broadband on smaller businesses' productivity and sales growth.

He said: "I am calling today for a new and deeper partnership between the broadband industry, Government, the regions and local government and local communities.

He said he wanted everyone to work together during the next two years to do evrything possible to achieve the goal of a Britain in which broadband was available in every community by the end of 2005.

Herbert Kim, chief executive officer of Codeworks, said: "I am very pleased the minister recognises the value of our work in successfully helping roll out broadband.

"While we work to improve the supply of broadband, we also need to stimulate demand. With the UK's information motorways improving in speed and reach, Codeworks is working with its partners to ensure that there are compelling reasons for businesses and consumers to use these valuable new networks.

"The development of digital content and technologies is certain to be a hothouse area for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs over the next five years."