Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) was created following the results of a report by that revealed a third of UK households will be unable to access 'next generation' broadband in the future.

"This report makes clear that without public intervention, some rural areas and less well off communities will be left behind and unable to reap the economic, health and education benefits super fast broadband offers," said Minister for Digital Britain, Stephens Timms.

Stuart Burgess, the government's rural advisor, added that the lack of broadband and mobile phone coverage in rural areas is hampering young people when it comes to education and job hunting.

"Digital technology offers major hope for rural people and businesses - creating a new way to access services, socialise and take advantage of e-enterprise," said Burgess.

"For rural young people, exclusion is a double blow. First, schools and colleges expect students to get internet help with homework. Second, they are excluded from text messaging and online networking."