Brits not dialling-up broadband

Over a million Brits have not joined the broadband revolution, missing out on technologies like VoIP phones that require a high-speed connection.

Research from BroadbandChoices.co.uk found that 1.48 million households in the country are still using slow dial-up connections.

And this does not appear to be a cost-saving measure, with the cheapest dial-up package - AOL Anytime - costing £175.89 in its first year, compared with some broadband packages which cost less than £100.

BroadbandChoices product director, Michael Phillips, attempted to explain the figures.

"With some dial up packages you are effectively on a pay as you go rate which some people find more straightforward and there is also no minimum contract term," he said.

"However the most common reason for sticking with an inferior service is simply customer inertia."

He urged consumers to switch to broadband, both for the speed increases, which would allow technologies like VoIP phones, and to reduce the estimated £127 million being spent on dial-up annually.