Up to 700,000 jobs could be created in the UK through £15 billion in investment for broadband infrastructures.

Research published by the London School of Economics and Political Science alongside the Information Technology and Innovation Fund suggests that improving the country's digital infrastructure could be considerably more beneficial than other projects such as transport networks.

The study, entitled the UK's Digital Road to Recovery, hinted that it would also provide a wider economic boost.

It stated: "Spurring investment in the UK's infrastructure is an effective, immediate strategy to compensate for the downturn.

"Investments in … the UK's information and communication technology resources, or digital infrastructures, will have a … positive impact on jobs."

The document added that the financing could also lay foundations for "sustained productivity and innovation" in the sector.

Last week, the former Home Secretary David Blunkett told ZDNet UK that increasing UK consumers' access to high-speed broadband could lead to a spate of security issues.