The BBC is being criticised for its plans to use the licence fee to offer free online interactive learning packages to schools. Other e-learning providers have expressed concern about the effect on the market of a major provider who does not need to make a profit from its services.

This situation is another in a line of complaints that the BBC is going beyond its remit and using its secure public funding unfairly to the detriment of private competitors.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is assessing the situation and requesting views form interested parties. The consultation will continue until 5th July. Their site also includes PriceWaterhouseCoopers Market Assessment of the BBC's Digital Curriculum Proposition.