The number of broadband connections in residential homes and small businesses has risen 22 per cent over the past year, to a total of 14.9 million.

The rate of take up has increased by almost a quarter since September 2006, when 12.2 million premises were connected.

Broadband accounted for 15 million, or 85 per cent, of the UK's 17.5 million internet connections by the third quarter of last year, according to Ofcom.

And consumers are continuing to switch from landline use to mobile phones.

Over the twelve months to last September, fixed line voice calls dropped by 12 per cent. The volume of mobile calls grew 20 per cent during the same period.

Ofcom's telecommunications market report is here.