Ben Verwaayen, BT chief executive, wants to reassure the UK's small businesses they can rely on the giant telco for their broadband services.

In an interview on BT's Broadband Office website, Verwaayen is quizzed on a number of issues that face SMEs.

Asked about customer service, he said: "People rely on our ability to provide broadband like clockwork. Sometimes we make mistakes. If we make mistakes, the first thing is to admit it and rectify it immediately. And that's our attitude."

And if punters aren't happy with the service from BT then Verwaayen wants to know.

"In a changing environment in which we operate, listening to customers who are very vocal in what they want is a good thing," he said.

And he rubbished claims that BT's broadband service in rural areas was not up to scratch compared to that on offer in urban areas.

"We are, as a nation, very blessed. We have 99.6 per cent of the population within reach of broadband. No other G8 nation in the world has that."

The interview can be seen here. ®