The Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has published a report into rural broadband.

The MPs found that progress in many rural areas has been much slower than in urban and suburban communities and as a result a 'digital divide' has opened up between urban and rural areas in terms of the provision of broadband access.

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the IoD told ePolitix.com: "The government set a widely publicised target of having the most competitive and extensive broadband network in the G7 group of industrialised countries by 2005.

"The UK was late to the game and after a slow start we are still playing catch-up to a certain extent.

"That said, UK business is rapidly waking up to the benefits of fast internet access.

"However, there is still much work to be done in raising awareness of broadband in rural areas. The government must work to close the digital divide."

Forum Response: Country Land Business Association

Dr Charles Trotman, rural economy adviser at the CLA, said: "The government urgently needs to address the specifics of how broadband will be rolled out.

"If broadband is delivered direct to schools and hospitals, bypassing the local exchanges in rural communities, this will undoubtedly lead to additional costs, delays and problems which the government is seeking to avoid.

"Nevertheless, we are delighted that the select committee has accepted the CLA's argument that all exchanges should have trigger levels set.

"It is vital that all exchanges have trigger levels so that rural businesses know their options and associated costs in order to remain competitive"