BT has revealed that it is set to discuss the possibility of developing an ultra-fast broadband network with the government later this year.

Speaking to the Financial Times, head of BT's retail division Ian Livingston said that the company would discuss the potential at a summit between the government, regulators and broadband providers set to take place this autumn.

The move comes following comments made by minister for competitiveness, Stephen Timms, who called on the industry to improve its efforts to remain at the forefront of broadband technology across Europe and the rest of the world.

At present it is unclear whether BT would be looking to deliver 'fibre to the node' or 'fibre to the home' technology to develop a super-fast broadband network.

While the latter would be more expensive, a spokesman for BT said that the company would be talking about both approaches when discussing the matter with the government.