Writing in The Times, Brown says that "a fast internet connection is now seen by most of the public as an essential service, as indispensable as electricity, gas and water".

The Prime Minister's comments echo those of former Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, who told a Music Week conference that the plan with Digital Britain is not to introduce a "Draconian approach", which would shut off broadband to users.

Burnham said broadband was almost as important to people now as their ...