Introducing a minimum broadband speed for the UK need not cost consumers any more than they are currently paying, it has been claimed.

Charles Trotman, head of rural business development at the Country Land & Business Association, suggested that improvements can be made to the UK's broadband infrastructure without hitting users financially, "depending how it is done".

He said moves towards a guaranteed 2Mb broadband access could lead to higher prices – and potentially taxation - if services are provided through a fixed line, but claimed there is a better alternative.

Mr Trotman added: "If you were to use wireless broadband such as mobile broadband or satellite broadband or wireless technology, then it's very likely not to lead to additional costs for the consumer or the business."

Last week, Orange revealed that it had seen a 12.2 per cent reduction in the number of fixed line broadband customers during the third quarter of the year.

However, this loss was more than offset by a 65 per cent rise in the number of mobile broadband subscribers on a like-for-like basis.