Caroline Spelman: Rural business broadband is a priority

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has reiterated the coalition government's commitment to boosting rural business broadband - which will allow the universal adoption of VoIP solutions and hosted telephony.

Speaking at the Rural Roadshow, the first for Spelman, the minister said supporting rural economies was a top priority, hence the large amounts of cash the government has set aside for companies in remote communities.

"Our rural communities across the country have great potential and we want to unlock it," she told attendees.

Adding: "That's why we have invested £165 million to unlock the potential of rural areas, including £20 million to get the remotest areas online."

Steve Willis, chair of the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network, which hosted the gathering, said that two-way communication had helped rural communities voice some of their most pressing concerns - like the lack of availability of business broadband in some parts.

Rural business broadband coverage has been increasing rapidly in recent months, with Shropshire being one of the latest places to receive funding for a new connectivity strategy.