PEOPLE who live in the countryside could face paying more for the same Internet access as those in towns and cities, the Government has admitted.

Plans to ensure "universal" broadband provision applies only to the speed and not the price – leaving the way open for commercial firms to target city-dwellers with better deals. Rural campaigners say the move amounts to a "broadband tax" on people in the countryside.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw announced in June that money left over from the switchover to digital TV would be used to ensure every home and business could access Internet with a speed of at least two megabits per second (2Mbps) by 2012 – a relatively slow broadband.

But it has now emerged that the "universal obligation" of two megabits per second by 2012 will only apply to ensuring everyone has the same Internet speed and those in more remote areas could be charged more.

The Government is hoping that competition between broadband providers will help drive down costs for rural communities.

But commentators have warned that installing high-speed Internet in the countryside may not be commercially viable.

More than 10 per cent of households cannot access 2Mbps broadband, often because they are too far from the local telephone exchange. In rural areas the figure rises to 42 per cent.

Stephen Timms, the new minister heading the Government's Digital Britain strategy, has insisted some public money will be available to help build the necessary infrastructure to provide the universal service.

Last night a Government spokesman admitted it was "possible" that rural communities would have to pick up the bill for additional costs.

"We would be looking for network service providers to offer a range of choice which should keep prices down," he said.

The Country Land and Business Association has warned that the emergence of "rural not-spots" – areas without good Internet access – threatens to "suffocate" businesses in the countryside. Local people also risk being cut off from crucial services.

"What we're campaigning for is that everybody should have inexpensive high-speed broadband in the countryside and the Government should put in place policies that make that possible," a CLA spokesman said.

"We think everybody should pay the same. There shouldn't be a broadband tax on people in the countryside because they don't have access that people in the cities do."

The Commission for Rural Communities, (CRC), has also warned vast swathes of the Westcountry could still be left without high-speed broadband.

Audrey Roy, head of rural services at the commission, said: "We recognise that some services can cost more to deliver in rural areas. Broadband provision is such a critical catalyst for access to so many other services, and because digital technology is based on consistent infrastructure across all providers, we think it is unreasonable to apply higher charges in rural areas."

The CRC is calling for a firm commitment from the Government for 100 per cent roll-out of super-fast connections. But feels rural areas may be willing to wait a little longer for it to arrive.