Broadband access should be considered as a right for UK residents, according to a member of the Communications Consumer Panel (CCP).

The CCP's Scottish representative Fiona Ballantyne suggested that Brits consider that they are fully entitled to the provision of broadband services from ISPs.

Ms Ballantyne made the assertion to the Joint Westminster eForum & Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar: Digital Britain.

She commented: "Coming through from consumers quite strongly is the sense that access to broadband services is beginning to be seen as a right.

"No one should miss out on the digital age. Access to the internet is coming to be considered an essential service by consumers."

The forthcoming Digital Britain report compiled by communications minister Lord Carter, which is expected to address the issue of nationwide broadband access, has been delayed until later in the month.