Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of UK households are online, an increase of one million households in the last year to 16 million, according to the Office of National Statistics.

This represents an increase of five million households since 2002.

The region with the highest level of access was the south east with 74 per cent. The region with the lowest access level was the north east with 54 per cent.

Fifty-six per cent of all UK households with internet access had a broadband connection in 2008, up from 51 per cent in 2007.

Adults under 70 years of age who had a degree or equivalent qualification were most likely to have access to the internet in their home, at 93 per cent.

Individuals with no formal qualifications were least likely to have an internet connection in their home at 56 per cent.

Many companies such as Sky and Virgin now offer bundled internet access with digital TV packages, helping to boost internet uptake.