Queen warns broadband is 'unaffordable' for many

Speaking in her annual Commonwealth Day message the Queen has warned internet use has become an "unaffordable option" for a lot of citizens.

Despite having the potential to transform the lives of millions and with technology capable of connecting the most remote locations in the Himalayan mountains, a research facility in the South Pole, "or even the international space station beyond this planet altogether" the message warned many people in the Commonwealth aren’t able to get hooked up to broadband because they simply can’t afford it.

"The internet is playing an important part in helping to nurture these fledgling markets but, as yet, it still remains an unaffordable options for too many of our Commonwealth citizens," said the Queen. "In making these advances the Commonwealth recognises that the best form of innovation are those that unite, and help build resilient partnerships and better societies as a whole."

The message echoes a speech given by the Prince of Wales last year in which he warned of the dangers of leaving rural UK areas out of the telecommunications loop. He expressed concern parts of the British countryside had become "broadband deserts" and would face an "immense handicap" compared to well connected towns and cities.

Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, held on the second Monday in March every year. Here, the Queen delivers her message at an annual Observance of Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. Traditionally, she uses this as an opportunity to speak of problems affecting the Nations, home to 1.8 billion people across the globe.

In separate news, a survey conducted by the BBC World Service of more than 27,000 adults across 26 countries found most believe access to the internet is a fundamental right.

In the survey more than 70 per cent of non-users said they felt they should be provided with access to the internet.

This finding comes at a time when the UK government attempts to push through a controversial Digital Economy Bill into parliament. Part of the Bill includes measures to deliver universal broadband with broadband speeds of at least 2Mb by 2012.