Oftel have just published new rules that could force BT to provide customers with unmetered access to the internet.

This document sets out a legal framework that, if agreed, would eventually require BT to provide internet users with a one-off tariff to gain access to their network of lines. This would also ensure that measures are put in BT's network to make sure that they could cope with the anticipated future increase in internet traffic.

This latest move by Oftel follows a launch earlier this month of a consultation over the future of internet use in Britain, and these proposals will only encourage greater use of the internet by allowing access without acquiring large telephone bills.

However, this latest proposal is said to have angered the telecom giant who have been stated as saying that the document is premature in considering opening up the internet to unmetered access, as it is still under consultation. BT are still studying the draft and are continuing to work on their response to Oftel's original proposal and will give their outline by the originally stated deadline of 8 December.