A new consultation is to be launched by Ofcom into the way broadband providers use traffic management systems.

Speaking at the Cable Congress event in Brussels, the regulator's Chief Executive Ed Richards revealed that the investigation, which will begin this spring, will consider how net neutrality is affecting the industry.

According to ZDNet.co.uk, broadband providers including Virgin Media, BT and TalkTalk make use of the service in peak periods, in order to ensure all web users get access to bandwidth.

Talking to the website, Mr Richards said: "Last year's adoption of the EU Framework moves us firmly into new territory.

"It gives regulators an extensive array of powers and a clear responsibility to address some of the emerging issues around traffic management."

A recent PC Pro report suggested that several peers in the House of Lords have backed new legislation which would make Ofcom responsible for faults or issues with broadband services in the UK.