Plans by BT and other broadband providers to introduce fibre-optic networks across the UK may not meet the needs of many consumers, a study has suggested.

Point Topic has published a map highlighting where demand for broadband services is high, as well as where BT is set to introduce such services in the coming months.

According to the study, the current proposals mean fibre optic broadband – which will offer download speeds of up to 40Mb - will reach 35 per cent of the population by 2012.

The body stated: "BT's planned next-generation access (NGA) rollout, as so far announced, falls a long way short of covering even those areas where NGA should be economically attractive even without subsidy."

It added that such issues could "cause heated controversy as many customers discover they cannot get the new high-speed services which their neighbours enjoy".

Previous research by Point Topic found that broadband penetration in the UK is at its highest in areas to the south and east of the Wash and the Bristol Channel.