'4m fibre connections' by 2013

The number of fibre broadband connections in the UK is set to increase dramatically over the next five years, according to a new report.

A study by analysis firm Point Topic has claimed that around four million homes and businesses will be using the technology to go online by 2013.

This will account for roughly 20 per cent of the 22 million total broadband connections by that time, with "well over 11 million" fibre lines predicted for 2016.

Using landlines for broadband will become less popular however, dropping from a 78 per cent market share to just 57 per cent in the future.

If the firm is correct, then most users will see speeds of around 20Mbps.

However, Point Topic's chief analyst Tim Johnson said there was currently "controversy" about whether users would want or need the high speeds.

"People will be able to mix video telephony, TV, audio, online games and virtual worlds, all high quality and high resolution, into the total experience they want at that moment," he explained.

"In fact it's what today's teenagers are trying to do right now and in a few more years the technology will catch up with them."