'Super-fast broadband' in UK homes by 2017 - Tories

The Conservatives in the UK have unveiled plans to deliver a "nationwide super-fast broadband," part of which could be funded from the BBC license fee.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne said a Tory government plan would deliver speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to the "majority" of homes by 2017. He said cabling in rural areas could be paid for by private investors, with the licence fee making up any shortfalls.

The Labour party accused the Tories of playing "catch-up" on broadband improvements. The government has set a target that homes should have access to speeds of 2Mbps by 2012.