RURAL areas must not be left behind by superfast broadband, ministers have been told.

The countryside was at risk of constantly playing digital catch-up, said the Commission for Rural Communities.

The government must make a firm commitment to helping to improve internet access, it warned in a report.

The document, Mind the Gap: Digital England - a rural perspective, was published on Tuesday (23 June).

It contains a series of recommendations to ensure an effective and sustainable communications future for rural England.

For the first time, the report includes an independent analysis of national rural connectivity issues.

The document is part of the commission's contribution to the government's Digital Britain report.

An improved communications infrastructure is vital to meet the demands of a modern knowledge-based economy, it says.

"Rural users are frustrated by the lack of speed and reliability of existing services," said Graham Russell, the commission's executive director.

"Those unable to access broadband are excluded from what, for a large section of the population, are now basic services."

Digital technology could help tackle social and economic disadvantage in rural areas, Mr Russell said.

But the necessary infrastructure was lacking, because provision was often deemed too expensive in sparsely populated areas.

"Investment must take account of social impacts and benefits as well as economic criteria," said Mr Russell.

"We recommend that alternative investment models for rural areas are adopted."

Superfast broadband had the potentiasl to transform rural areas.

"Rural entrepreneurs can aid economic recovery through the innovative use of new technology but this is dependent on infrastructure."

Institutions such as rural schools and hospitals should offer broadband access to the wider community.

New rural housing should be designed and equipped to enable home working.

Mr Russell said the commission fully supported the government's commitment to provide everyone with access to broadband speeds of at least 2Mbps by 2012.

But he warned: "Next generation access is a colossal financial undertaking and likely to be more complex and take longer in remote areas."

The government should lead the way in bridging the gap for rural communities but the commission recognised it could not do this alone.

"We must all work together to ensure we remain economically competitive, with quality services and support mechanisms for all, regardless of locality."

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