The Anglican head of Manchester said on Tuesday that high-speed internet will become a need "almost as basic as a telephone line is now" in the near future, urging British officials to step up their plans for laying the necessary infrastructure.

"The Government must make it absolutely clear to the public why society should now collectively fill the digital vacuum from which those living in our remotest areas will undoubtedly suffer if public investment in the cutting-edge of internet access is not forthcoming sooner rather than later," said Bishop Nigel McCullough

Commenting on the British government's target of bringing broadband to 90 percent of homes over the next eight years, McCullough said the goals are "rather too modest," adding that the "bar has been set too low in terms of universal connection speed."

"By that time, if the pace of digital evolution continues, superfast broadband as it is today will certainly not be considered a luxury," he said.

"Significant state subsidy for the next generation access project through direct taxation of fixed phone lines needs to strike a fine balance between giving a shot in the arm to ensure that the most remote areas get superfast broadband, while not using public money to subsidise activities that will then distort competition," the bishop continued.

In a survey conducted by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED), the UK ranked 21 out of 30 in their providing of broadband services, falling behind countries such as Spain and Greece.

The British government currently plans to raise money for the new internet services through a monthly 50 pence tax on fixed landlines.