The CLA says that Ofcom’s report on broadband speeds backed the Association’s view that consumers are being short-changed.

Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Head of Rural Business Development said: “It is clear customers – including those in rural areas - are not being giving the broadband speeds they are led to expect by the companies providing their internet services.

“Running a business in the countryside is tough enough without the commercial disadvantage of broadband speeds way below what was promised.”

Dr Trotman also flagged up the issue of surcharges made by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) because of regular use of internet-player services to catch up on missed TV programmes.

He said: “Many people are unaware of the bandwidth limitations set by ISPs and how quickly they can be exceeded by internet-player usage. We are calling for greater clarity from ISPs to ensure customers are fully aware of possible additional charges.”

Dr Trotman added that there were many rural areas that could still not receive broadband, and that the CLA would continue to lobby Government to facilitate broadband for all by 2012.