Vaizey insists UK has Europe's most competitive broadband market

The UK has the most competitive broadband marketplace in Europe, according to Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the MP outlined his goals for delivering the best super-fast broadband network in Europe by the end of 2015. It is not simply enough to deliver the fastest speeds, he insisted, as rivalry between providers is also essential.

"That includes price as well," Mr Vaizey remarked. "There is absolutely no point having super-fast broadband coming past your door if you cannot afford it.

"We do want competition on price and we have very low prices."

The competitiveness of the government's Broadband Delivery UK framework has been a cause for concern, with only two providers - BT and Fujitsu - approved to apply for network rollout contracts from local authorities.

EU officials are currently reviewing the process to ensure it does not contravene European rules on illegal state aid.

Mr Vaizey's comments come in the same week the House of Lords Communications Committee warned that the coalition's broadband policy risks leaving many communities - particularly those in rural areas - without quality internet access.