The broadband revolution could solve the problems of congested roads and poor transport links for businesses in Sussex.

The advantages of broadband communication technology dominated the South-East regional business forum of the Institute of Directors.

The forum focused on the importance of adopting the latest communication technology in order to bring commercial benefits to the region.

Speaker after speaker emphasised broadband as an essential tool for growth in the South-East and as a cost-effective method of increasing a company's competitive edge within a global market.

The UK is lagging behind its European competitors in adopting the new technology.

Broadband delivery is accessed through an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)-

enabled telephone exchange.

In the South-East, 74 per cent of households and 77 per cent of businesses are within range of such exchanges.

Anthony Dunnett, chief executive of the South East England Development Agency (Seeda), said broadband was an essential ingredient for the future success of the region.

He said: "There are three major constraints to sustainable economic growth in the South-East, infrastructure, affordable housing and skills gaps.

"Any improvements to the road structure within the region is at least a decade away, which is why Seeda considers the virtual solution as an idea vehicle for enabling more people to work remotely, thus reducing the pressures on the road network.

"As broadband gives instant access to the network, allowing documents to be rapidly downloaded, it is almost inevitable working patterns will change.

"Broadband provides a direct connection to a global economy, enabling the region to secure a knowledge base economy without having to physically move around."

Mr Dunnett said Seeda would support smaller organisations in the take up of broadband, as they tended to get overlooked by the major providers.