A new tax on broadband use could be made law before the next election, according to Minister for Digital Britain Stephen Timms.
It would apply to everyone with a fixed line telephone and could raise up to £175 million a year.
Speaking at a debate in London, Mr Timms said the tax will be presented to parliament as part of the Finance Bill.
He said: "We want to make high speed networks nationally available. The next-generation fund will help that and we will legislate for it this side of a general election."
Tory MP John Whittingdale says the Conservatives would not be in favour, saying: "I object to it on the basis that it is another tax and is aimed at people who are using old technology."
It is though the plan would mean people with a home phone line paying a £6 annual fee even if they are not connected to the internet.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090923/...y-dba1618.html
