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Gordon Brown has pledged to place the digital economy "centre stage".
Ahead of the launch of the 'Digital Britain' report, the prime minister wrote in the Times that he is determined the nation's digital infrastructure will be "world class".
And he argued that for some a fast internet speed is seen as being important as electricity, gas and water.
Brown wrote: "The digital revolution is changing all our lives beyond recognition and today we shall set out how Britain must change with it.
"Whether it is to work online, study, learn new skills, pay bills or simply stay in touch with friends and family, a fast internet connection is now seen by most of the public as an essential service, as indispensable as electricity, gas and water."
He also warned against a "two-tier Britain", where some are not able to take advantage of being online.
"The first step must be to make the existing broadband network truly available to all," he explained.
"Just as we remain committed to a universal postal service, we pledge today to give every home, community and company access to broadband internet."
Brown also called for these technological developments to be accompanied by a "revolution in content".
"We must develop and sustain public service content, such as commercial regional news, which we all value and rely on, ensuring that it can be delivered across multiple digital outlets by a range of providers accessible to all," he wrote.
This included helping Channel 4 to "secure its future" by providing long term funding arrangements for the broadcaster.
The changes outlined by government on the future of the digital industry could create and protect "hundreds of thousands of jobs", the prime minister added.
Currently, the UK's digital economy accounts for about eight per cent of the UK's national income.
The report, published by outgoing communications minister Lord Carter, is expected to address issues such as the funding of public service broadcasting and illegal file sharing.
As part of the government's attempt to help ailing newspapers and broadcasters, it has been reported that the BBC will be required to give up some of its £3.6bn in licence fee revenue.
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