Super-fast broadband to go on hold?

BT's deployment of super-fast broadband may be delayed due to the economic recession, the company's chief executive has said.

The telecoms giant had announced that it was to invest £1.5 billion into providing the fibre-optic technology for ten million homes over the next four years.

But the Guardian quoted Ian Livingstone as saying that he had been told by shareholders to hold back on spending, adding that telecoms regulator Ofcom must ensure that the company will see a return on its investment in the network.

"I have to tell you there are some shareholders who say 'you know something, don't do that, don't do a whole lot of other things. That leaves you with a lot more cash and cash today is worth a lot more than cash in a few years' time'," he said.

Last week, BT revealed that it had 4.6 million broadband customers at the end of September.

However, the company also announced that it was to shed 10,000 jobs by the end of March next year.