Verwaayen: Broadband has changed lives

BT chief executive Ben Verwaayen has told the BBC’s Breakfast programme that his tenure of the firm has seen broadband develop from something that only few could receive, into an essential service that has totally changed the way people live their lives.

Speaking to Declan Curry, Verwaayen said: "Six years ago, if you wanted broadband you probably couldn’t get it. People were on their knees asking for it.

"If you look to broadband, its the new way of life. It’s created new ways of enjoying entertainment, new ways of shopping, new ways of doing business."

When asked about why he was stepping down, he said: "I believe there is a shelf life for leadership. You have to constantly be pushing forward the business. It’s a great team that’s coming in, and it is ready to bring BT to the next level."