Government considers forcing companies to offer cut-price broadband

The government says it's considering forcing companies to provide a cut-price broadband service to make sure everyone can afford to be online.

The Communications and Utilities Regulatory authority has issued a consultation document about the proposals after Tynwald passed a motion calling for such a service last April.

The document says licensed telecoms providers would have to provide a 10 megabits-per-second service for £16.82 a month.

It also says people wouldn't be charged for switching, and wouldn't be tied into a fixed-length contract.