Is it still relevant to consider splitting up BT, the telecommunications group? That is one of the questions posed by Ofcom, Britain's media-to-telecommunications watchdog, which is carrying out a strategic review of the fixed-line telecoms sector.

Phase two of this review is likely to be published shortly. But Ofcom has already gone some way to tackling the question by referring to the experience of the UK gas and electricity industry - and the answer is yes: structural and operational separation of BT should be seriously considered.