VoIP to benefit from rural broadband rollout

That is according to website Broadband-Help.com, which said that centralised government legislation will be needed or else rural communities may be left without broadband.

The government has pledge to roll out universal broadband access and new media secretary Jeremy Hunt confirmed plans for three market tests to extend the nation's network infrastructure into the countryside.

However, Rowland O'Connor, editor of news and review website, said that more needs to be done if next-generation access is to be improved from current levels in rural areas.

"The reality is that we are in 2010 and many parts of rural UK still cannot access even a basic 2mbps high-speed internet connection," he said.

Small businesses operating in rural areas will not be able to benefit from the cost-saving nature of VoIP calls unless they have a stable, fast internet connection.

Mr Hunt unveiled his plans for the digital economy last week, restating the government's commitment to opening up existing broadband infrastructure and stimulating investment in next-generation networks.