BT in 'super-fast' broadband pledge

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The programme could see as many as 10 million homes connected to a new fibre network by 2012, instead of the copper wires that link to most homes.

BT said the roll-out will allow households to run a number of bandwidth-hungry applications at the same time, such as high-definition movies, gaming, complex graphics or video projects.

The fastest speeds of up to 100Mbs will be delivered where BT is able to lay fibre direct to new-build homes. Fibre-to-the-cabinet, which takes the service to a point near the home, will initially see speeds of around 40Mbs. The current average UK broadband speed is in the region of 4Mbs, although BT has plans to deliver speeds of up to 24Mbs by next year.

BT described the move as a bold step but said the investment was dependent on a "supportive and enduring" regulatory environment. It also wants to work with local and regional bodies to decide where and when it should focus the deployment of super-fast broadband.

Chief executive Ian Livingston said: "Our aim is that urban and rural areas alike will benefit from our investment."

BT will make the service available on an equivalent basis to all communication providers. Virgin Media said it was already working on bringing 50Mbs broadband to 12 million homes between now and the middle of 2009.

Shares in BT fell 5% as it suspended a buyback of shares because of the need to invest £1.5 billion in the project.

Rivals offering broadband through the "local loop" from the telephone exchange to the home were also impacted by BT's announcement, with Carphone Warehouse shares down by as much as 8%.

BT said it planned discussions with regulator Ofcom to determine the framework it believes is necessary to enable the programme to progress. It wants to ensure that anyone who chooses to invest in fibre can earn a fair rate of return for their shareholders.