Everyone will have a legal right to request a 10Mbps broadband speed by 2020, the Prime Minister has pledged.

David Cameron said the government was putting access to fast broadband on similar footing as other basic services.

The government would help ensure every home and business had access to fast broadband by the end of this Parliament, he said.

Treating broadband as a service like water and electricity would help to cement Britain's position as Europe's most digitised major economy.

Work is now starting on introducing a broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) with a government consultation expected in early 2016.

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The ambition is to give people the legal right to request a connection to broadband with speeds of 10Mbps - no matter where they live.

"Access to the Internet shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a right – absolutely fundamental to life in 21st century Britain," said Mr Cameron on Monday (2 November).

"That is why I'm announcing a giant leap in my digital mission for Britain.

"Just as our forebears effectively brought gas, electricity and water to all, we're going to bring fast broadband to every home and business that wants it.

"That's right: we're getting Britain – all of Britain – online, and on the way to becoming the most prosperous economy in the whole of Europe."

Fast broadband connectivity was now seen as a key service, essential not only for busy families but also for businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK.

The latest data from Ofcom confirmed that 10Mbps was the speed needed to meet the demands of today's typical family and many small business.

The government believes a USO will provide a 'safety net' so households and businesses get the broadband speeds needed to do business online, access key services or stream live TV.

It says more than three million homes and businesses across the UK already have access to superfast speeds (24 Mbps or better).

Ministers say the government is on track to reach 95% by the end of 2017 – a key part of a long-term economic plan to create more jobs, skills, growth and opportunities.

Later this year, Ofcom will release a new mobile app so that consumers will be able to check if their home wifi is working as it should be.

The telecoms watchdog is also planning to release more detailed, address-level mobile and broadband speed data next year.

The government says this will help people make more informed decisions about things like moving home or starting a business.