The UK Government could appoint a new broadband minister by the end of this week.

The BBC News reported that the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills had suggested that the appointment could be made in the next couple of days.

The Independent Network Cooperative Association’s CEO Malcolm Corbett said that the appointment of a broadband minister was important to keep the country competitive.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "We need to appoint a minister as quicky as possible. Without it UK broadband risks drifting and that is not a good thing for UK competitiveness."

Reports emerged that culture minister Ed Vaizey could be the possible candidate for the post.

The new minister will shoulder responsibility for ensuring broadband speeds of at least 2Mbps in all areas of the country and drawing up plans for covering most of the country with super-fast broadband services.