Broadband is set to be a highly-debated topic in the political world in 2009, according to one analyst.

The New Statesman's Michael Harvey has highlighted the efforts made by both prime minister Gordon Brown and leader of the opposition David Cameron to set out their vision for widespread broadband access in the UK.

He also pointed to the forthcoming release of communications minister Lord Carter's Digital Britain report, which is expected to call for broadband to be brought to every household in the UK.

Mr Harvey explained: "Britain's digital infrastructure - specifically access to superfast broadband - is set to be a hot topic for 2009.

"Broadband provision has particular resonance in politics - whether in business or in the home, with its implications for social justice as well as efficiency and innovation."

PM Brown recently hinted that the government could inject public money into UK broadband in order to help the country through the ongoing recession.