50% of UK residents have broadband connection

Broadband internet is now growing so quickly that half of the British population has high-speed internet connections, according to a report released today.

The research, compiled by Ofcom, shows an 11 per cent increase in broadband over the past year.

These numbers mean that, for the first time, the majority of Brits are potential VoIP phone users.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards described the 50 per cent threshold as "a very significant milestone".

Mr Richards said that it was a major step towards "the development of broadband Britain".

Hosted telephony is vastly improved by a broadband connection.

Ofcom's news suggests that a VoIP phone explosion may soon follow.