By implication, the regulator thinks the universal service is in no danger provided Consignia gets its act together.

ECONOMIST: The post

Rather than trying to act as the main provider of health, education and pensions, it would act as the guarantor of universal access and as a regulator.

ECONOMIST: Things will have to get better

But any sell-off is likely to be balanced by firm guarantees for the continuation of a universal service supervised by an independent regulator.

ECONOMIST: Post Office: Pass the parcel | The

The Consumer Panel, which advises the regulator Ofcom, said its research shows there is strong public support for universal broadband, which would need to be at a speed that allowed everyone to participate fully in society.

BBC: Britons say broadband 'essential'