Ofcom: Britons accessing some of the world's lowest broadband prices

Many of the cheapest broadband prices in the world are accessible to web users in the UK as a result of the level of competition evident in the market, new research suggests.

According to figures from broadband industry regulator Ofcom, UK households can get a bundle deal including mobile and fixed-line phone services and broadband access for as little as £102 a year, a price nearly 30 per cent cheaper than in Italy, which has the next lowest cost in Europe.

As a result of lower prices more people are able to access the web in the UK and so a greater number of web users could be encouraged to use VoIP hardware.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "The report shows that UK consumers have benefited from competition in the form of lower prices. Innovation means that the UK is well placed in the take up and availability of digital services."

The UK still has some way to go in the delivery of next-generation broadband services, however, despite significant investment from companies like BT and Virgin Media.