SATELLITE broadband is essential if internet speeds are to be speeded up in rural areas, believes a government minister.

Science minister David Willetts was responding to a parliamentary question from Harriett Baldwin, Conservative MP for West Worcestershire.

Mr Willetts said: "We see satellite broadband as an essential means to deliver faster internet access for rural communities, businesses and individuals.

"Everywhere in Britain can therefore access broadband via satellite."

The issue issue was regularly discussed with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Willetts told the House of Commons on Thursday (20 December).

Britain was now the leader of the ARTES 2 programme for the development of the next generation telecommunications platform, he added.

"It is great to see British businesses taking a lead here, and this will increase broadband speeds and reduce costs for UK users in rural and remote areas, making satellite broadband even more accessible."

The minister's comments came as more rural counties announced broadband deals to speed up internet connections.

They include BT contracts worth £41m and £30m respectively signed with Norfolk and Suffolk county councils.

Both counties will have faster connections to more than 80% of homes and rural businesses.

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: "We're aiming for the UK to have the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.

There were many more projects like Norfolk getting underway around the nation over the next few months, he added.

Ann Steward, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for economic development said the first services were due to be available by this time next year.

Norfolk MP George Freeman said rural broadband had the potential to unlock a revival of the county's local rural economy.

It would create vibrant villages and thriving towns by making it possible to start and run a connected business from rural locations.

"Norfolk's many small businesses, and our economic potential, is being held back by slow, and in many cases, non-existent broadband."