Broadband 'can pay for itself'

Consumers have been advised that subscribing to broadband can give them access to cheaper products or services - effectively meaning broadband can pay for itself.

According to price comparison website uSwitch.com, online shoppers are set to save £13 billion this year simply by choosing to carry out their transactions over the internet.

Steve Weller, head of communications services at uSwitch.com, said: "Not only does shopping online save you time and money, but it can actually pay for itself.

"Each household can save £500, which pays for your annual broadband cost nearly three times over."

This £500 saving is created through savings on items bought online and bill payments.

Consumers could make further significant savings on their telephone bill by switching to IP telephony, which circumvents call costs by sending the voice data over the internet using VoIP technology.