BT has moved to distance itself from reports expressing disquiet over the effect the BBC's iPlayer would have on broadband speeds.

Reports yesterday named the firm along with Tiscali and Carphone Warehouse as acting to put pressure on the BBC and consumers to pay an additional fee for the on-demand video service.

However, BT's chief press office Adam Liversage has told the Reg that the reports were untrue.

He said: "Whilst we've been fingered as 'part of the gang' in certain press reports, BT is not complaining about or discussing the implications of iPlayer with the BBC."

"We're not up in arms about iPlayer, we're not complaining to the BBC or discussing it with them."

The fears of the Internet service providers (ISPs) were sparked by the anticipated level of demand for the iPlayer, which would slow down the service and prompt a flood of customer complaints.

In response, threats were issued that restrictions might be placed on subscribers' usage of iPlayer.