The push for next-generation broadband could be premature, according to regulator Ofcom and BT which have expressed doubts about whether the time is right for rolling out fibre optic networks. “We need significant evidence that such a network is required and I don’t think it exists yet,” said Peter Philips, Ofcom’s head of strategy.

Super-fast nets capable of delivering speeds of up to 100Mbps have worked their way up the political agenda in recent months. Competitiveness minister Stephen Timms recently hosted a summit on the issue and Ofcom has launched its own consultation.

Fibre networks capable of speeds of up to 100Mbps are already commonplace in Japan and South Korea and are starting to be rolled out in countries such as the US, France and Germany.

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