The government could benefit broadcasting in the UK by putting money into broadband, according to a new report.

According to the Social Market Foundation's (SMF) new publication, In Public Service Broadcasting in the UK: A Longer Term View, faster broadband connections would allow public service broadcasting to be delivered more efficiently.

The report concludes that broadband should be looked at before an expansion of public service broadcasting is funded.

"As the market changes with the expansion of new technologies, the existence of a major institution like the BBC will remain important," said SMF senior research fellow Jessica Prendergrast

She continued: "Equally important however is for the government to ensure widespread access to high-speed broadband as a top priority, just as it once prioritised access to analogue TV."

The BBC recently withdrew plans to undergo an overhaul of local news websites planned to contain more video content.