The establishment of a broadband universal service obligation (USO) fund could resolve the question of who is to fund improved network infrastructure, one expert claims.

Andrew Ferguson, editor of thinkbroadband.com, has said that interested parties need to take part in a debate over how to support growing use of rich media features that subject the network to undue strain.

His comments followed internet service provider Tiscali’s call for the BBC to help fund infrastructure improvements, as the popularity of its iPlayer service was putting pressure on broadband companies.

"One potential idea would be for them to contribute to a broadband USO fund to bring higher speed broadband to areas where commercially led ventures refuse to go," said Mr Ferguson.

Between £400 million and £830 million could be needed to support services such as web video over the next five years, Britain’s telecommunications regulator Ofcom has predicted.