New research published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has highlighted the considerable proportion of smaller enterprises in rural areas that are currently unhappy with their level of broadband access.

According to the study, just 16 per cent of rural businesses are presently signed up to superfast internet connections, while 50 per cent of firms in rural areas stated their dissatisfaction at the availability of high-quality services.

This was shown to be twice the level of frustration reported among companies based in urban areas and was a view especially prevalent among businesses based in the five per cent of rural locations not currently covered by broadband delivery plans.

FSB spokesperson for the north-east of England Ted Salmon commented: "This research paints a worrying picture of a divided business broadband landscape in the UK, and unless addressed highlights a clear obstacle to growth in the coming years."

He concluded that a lack of progress on improving rural broadband provision could result in the development of a "two-speed online economy".

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