Super-fast broadband to cut snow suffering

Super-fast broadband will ease the distress the recent heavy snow has caused rural communities, Gordon Brown has said.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister said that this "digital revolution" would allow those in isolated areas to work from home during such times.

By investing in super-fast broadband now, the UK would gain access to internet speeds up to 50 times faster than those most commonly available today.

"Such advanced communications will encourage more employees and employers to make greater use of teleworking, which can deliver benefits both to the firm and the worker," wrote Mr Brown.

The prime minister said that remote working allows more job opportunities for the disabled and those caring for children, and contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

However, Mr Brown stressed that investment in super-fast broadband cannot be left to the private sector, as it is likely to reach only commercially viable urban areas.

"This revolution must benefit all, and so here there is also a role for targeted, strategic action by government," he said.

Home phone comparison service Homephonechoices.co.uk recently recommended that consumers use IP telephony solutions, such as VoIP, to cut the cost of phone calls.