SIR — Yet again I read of a new initiative to provide, at taxpayers' expense, faster broadband to another part of the community. 

Whilst this may be a good thing, I am afraid that it does not help me or my neighbours in any way, as I live in an area which is entirely neglected.

That aside, however, the most important issue is never addressed in this quite unnecessary rush to even higher speeds. 

I used to be happy with 500Kb and am now very happy with 5Mb - what I am not happy with is the fact that it cost me twice as much for this service as, for example, the population in Wellington. 

As the provision of broadband in considered so essential that £50 million of taxpayers' money must be spent on upgrading, why is no attention paid to the cost aspect?

Electricity, gas and telephone services cost the same wherever you live and I believe the same rule should apply to the internet.  Many households in rural areas are not able to have the service not because of technical issues but due to cost.

With such a small percentage of the population in this cost trap, to equalise the costs nationwide would mean for "town" users only a minimal increment ie £1 per month, and this for much higher speeds than I get anyway. 

For me and people in my community, it would mean a saving of £10 per month and a cost which better fitted the relatively poor service provided.

I checked with a major provider, and in Dulverton less than 8Mb would cost £22.50 per month, while in Wellington a faster service would cost £12.50. 

I really think it is about time this barrier to access was addressed as the solution is so simple.

Gerry Lewis,

Hollam Drive,

Dulverton.