Super-fast broadband worries 'misplaced'

Investment in upgrading networks to roll out next-generation broadband services may have little impact on technological take up, according to a government adviser.

Francesco Caio, who is reviewing the UK's internet infrastructure, claimed that a relative lack of fibre-optic connections compared to other nations such as France and Korea need not hinder consumer demand.

Mr Caio highlighted the fact that the UK is disproportionately ahead of Japan in terms of super-fast broadband usage despite fibre accounting for 40 per cent of connections in the latter.

He said: "Nobody doubts the centrality of a digital infrastructure for the future of both quality of life and the competitiveness of business. The issue is at what point in time that becomes absolutely critical, who should be paying and what the competitive forces we have to encourage are."

Telecoms giant BT recently claimed the cost of upgrading infrastructure could rise to £20bn.