'Switching systems off and on is most popular broadband problem advice'

The majority of consumers calling help lines about broadband problems are first told to switch their systems off and on again, new figures reveal.

Research from comparison website Moneysupermarket.com showed that nearly 40 per cent of Britons have called a help line in the past 12 months and switching power off and on was the most common response from staff, reports Cable.co.uk.

Having a fast broadband system can help run VoIP solutions more effectively and checking cable connections was the advice given out to around 30 per cent of web users.

James Parker, manager of broadband at moneysupermarket.com, told the website: "Calls to technical help lines can be expensive and can often be long and tedious. Most people will try turning their computer, modem or router on and off before they call."

The study found web users make an average of two calls to their internet service provider (ISP) before the problem is sorted.

Rival ISPs Virgin Media and BT are both investing substantial sums in providing their customers with fibre optic broadband connectivity.