BT is to be stripped of its title as Internet Villain after failing to make the short-list for the UK's "Internet Oscars".

Last year, the title of "Internet Villain" went to BT CEO, Sir Peter Bonfield.

This year, telecoms regulator Oftel, the Home Office and the Radiocommnications Agency are slugging it out for the honour.

The award is part of the "ISPAs" - annual awards doled out by the Internet Service Provider's Association (ISPA).

Choking back the disappointment, a spokesman for BT told The Register: "Far from being an Internet villain BT is working very hard to bring broadband to Britain."

While the title of Internet Villain is the most coveted award in the UK industry other companies and organisations will have to fight it out for less prestigious gongs.

AOL, BTopenworld, Freeserve, Plus Net and Telewest are all up for Best National Consumer ISP.

Best National Business ISP will be decided from among BT Ignite, Cable & Wireless, Claranet, Pipex and Thus. ®

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BT is Britain's 'Internet Villain'