Telecoms group BT could be broken up under plans being considered by industry regulator Ofcom.

It has asked its chief technology officer Peter Ingram to evaluate splitting BT's network infrastructure from its retail arm.

It is hoped the move would reduce regulation of the sector and increase competition, as rivals must currently rely on BT's co-operation to deliver their services.

Competitors such as Centrica Telecoms have sought the break-up of BT after struggling to eat into its 70 per cent share of the fixed-line market.

Tuesday April 27, 2004