Businesses operating from remote parts of the country have been pointed to satellite broadband as a possible way of getting connected to broadband services.

While conceding that the installation of a satellite broadband set-up can be costly, the Business IT Guide has pointed out that the service is available to near enough any business, no matter where it is situated.

In particular, firms which are still using dial-up in the absence of broadband services were encouraged to consider a switch to satellite services in order to enjoy a better internet experience.

According to the Business IT Guide: "When you have exhausted all your other options for internet connectivity there is a final option available that uses satellites to process your data.

"High above the UK there are satellites that are capable of carrying business-related internet data such as email traffic and web browsing support."

BT, which sells satellite services to fellow ISPs, began to trial satellite broadband for commercial use in 2002.