Broadband users in developed countries such as the US and Canada benefit from better value-for-money than their counterparts in the emerging South-East Asian market, it has been reported.

Research conducted by regional telecom policy research body LIRNEasia indicates that web connections in the western world are faster and more reliable for every pound spent than those in developing nations.

Chanuka Wattegama, Senior Research Manager at the organisation, told LB: "The US and Canada packages that we have tested are not too different to pricing to our ones.

"[However] the difference is introduced in the speeds they offer, so the speed to cost ratio is higher in North America."

Earlier this month, Charles Trotman, Head of Rural Business Development at the Country Land & Business Association, reported that UK user costs need not be increased by moves to provide universal access to 2Mb broadband.

He claimed that by focusing on mobile broadband developments, internet service providers will be able to maintain affordability.