The roll out of superfast broadband in the UK could be part-funded by the BBC licence fee.

Ministers outlined plans for use of the fee to fund the rapid roll out of high-speed broadband in the coalition agreement document.

In particular, the fee would be used to pay for broadband access to be introduced in areas where the market is unlikely to find it viable to invest in.

The agreement states the government is committed to introducing measures to endure the rapid roll out of superfast broadband across the country.

It said: "We will consider using the part of the TV licence fee that is supporting the digital switchover to fund broadband in areas that the market alone will not reach."

Ministers also want infrastructure providers such as BT to allow the use of their networks to assist the roll out in remote areas as well as urban areas.

The BBC said they would be happy to discuss the proposals with the government.

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22nd May 2010

Push for higher Broadband Speed Seriously Flawed It is absolutely pointless pushing High Speed Broadband in the UK when most all ISP’s have a limited download cap. Hence the faster you download the sooner your connection speed is either restricted or cut off completely, unless with Virgin who do give a genuine unlimited download. No one seems to be addressing this very important issue. Signed Carl Barron chairman of agpcuk