The National Audit Office (NAO) has been accused of overlooking satellite technologies in its recent critical report on the government's rural broadband programme.

In the publication, the NAO slammed the Broadband Delivery UK scheme - which aims to improve connectivity in rural communities - for failing to provide a competitive framework and running behind schedule.

However, satellite operator SES Broadband Services argued that the report is "overly focused on terrestrial solutions" and that satellite systems are now perfectly capable of meeting the online requirements of residents and businesses outside of urban centres.

Patrick Biewer, the company's Managing Director, said satellite services offer a "credible alternative" for people who want speedy internet access but are constrained by current levels of fixed-line broadband coverage.

"One challenge that satellite broadband has never faced is geographic reach, and now speeds and cost are not an issue either," he explained, pointing out that the operator last year launched a satellite capable of delivering 20Mbps downloads.

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