Regulations 'hampering' superfast BT network

Discussions on regulations by the communications watchdog Ofcom has led to BT's proposed superfast broadband networking being "hampered", the company's chief executive has claimed.

Ian Livingston, speaking at an investor conference in Barcelona, told attendees that the telecoms giant was worried about how long Ofcom was taking to come to a decision on the rule structure needed for the £1.5 billion project.

This was of particular concern because it could make BT fall further behind Virgin Media in terms of the speeds it offers, reports the Financial Times.

"In terms of Ofcom, it is fair to say we have been talking in depth, and Ofcom has been very open and engaged but we do have to make some decisions," he said.

However, he added: "We certainly found the customers we talk to probably more enthusiastic than the regulator on some of the details."

Last month, Mr Livingston argued in the Daily Telegraph that superfast broadband regulation in the UK must allow competition and must make sure investing companies make a "reasonable return".