"Naked DSL" should be introduced in the UK to end BT's market dominance, an expert has remarked.

Vincent Potier, managing director of communications provider Vonage, asserted that BT continues to behave as though it has a monopoly.

The phrase "naked DSL" refers to a set-up in which a consumer can make use of a phone line for broadband without being forced to pay for an unwanted telephone facility.

Many other European countries have such DSL options but not the UK, Mr Potier continued.

He argued that BT should be challenged by the European Commission because of anti-competitive practices.

"When all of Europe is using naked DSL, Britain, which sees itself as a defender of the free market, will be the only country where there is actually not a free market in telephony," Mr Potier predicted.

It will be at that point the market changes, he added.

Research published earlier this year by silicon.com and the Bathwick Group revealed six in ten small firms considered moving to VoIP during 2007.

This means it is behind laptops and handheld computers as a popular planned investment.