Government plans to introduce universal broadband services in the UK could have an impact on the TV licence, it has been suggested.

According to a report entitled Global Player of Subsidy Junkie? Decision Time for the BBC, conducted by the Adam Smith Institute, the licence could become "obsolete" as internet coverage expands.

Author of the study David Graham suggested that the licence fee may soon be applied to broadband access rather than "on a given receiving device".

He added: "There will be justified resistance to this, especially if the fee is, as now, proposed as the primary method of funding the BBC.

"If this happens, I hope it intensifies the debate that this report is intended to stimulate."

The government recently held an open day designed to allow broadband providers and other companies the opportunity to discuss how they plan to make universal internet services available across the UK.