BSKyB has one million subscribers to its broadband service, less than 14 months after the scheme was launched.

The milestone rate of uptake means that Sky is the UK's fastest-growing internet service provider.

While the media giant is offering a 2Mbit connection package with no monthly connection fee, 70 per cent of Sky's customers have opted to pay for faster broadband speeds. And around a third of subscribers are new Sky TV customers.

"Sky entered the broadband marketplace because we saw an opportunity to challenge the established players and give customers something better," said chief executive James Murdoch.

"Our aim is to meet the hunger for better quality, better service and better value, so to be the choice of one million customers after just 14 months is a real achievement."

Sky's share value rose 0.7 per cent to £6.56, following the announcement.