Survey: Majority of Britons would struggle without broadband

Nearly 60 per cent of Britons would find everyday life a struggle without access to a broadband connection or a home phone, new research suggests.

According to figures from comparison website Moneysupermarket.com, as a result of the dependence on web services each adult in the UK spends an average of nearly 70 hours a month online.

Having easy access to a broadband connection allows people to communicate more easily, whether it is using VoIP hardware, email or instant messenger, but 30 per cent of respondents said they would communicate less if they did not have internet access.

Julie Owens, broadband and mobiles spokesperson at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "If people are using the internet or mobile phone for large periods of time, then I would urge them to check they are on a deal that suits their needs."

A high level of market competition has forced internet service providers to steadily reduce their consumer prices, while also investing in next-generation broadband networks.