VoIP phones mean more is expected from broadband.

Consumers are expecting more from their broadband providers as they increasingly adopt online services, such as on-demand television, high-definition video streaming and IP telephony solutions.

A recent survey from price comparison website uSwitch.com revealed that internet service providers (ISPs) are failing to deliver good customer service.

Consumers now "expect more from their broadband" because they are using more and more sophisticated internet services, broadband comparison website Broadbandchoices.co.uk has said.

Broadband subscribers want more from their connection as they are adopting internet television services and VoIP solutions, which are bandwidth-intensive.

However, broadband companies could be clearer about what services they are offering, according to Michael Phillips, product director for Broadbandchoices.co.uk.

Mr Phillips explained that consumers would have a more realistic idea of what to expect from their broadband connection if ISPs were "more conservative" in their marketing.

VoIP phones as well as the economy would benefit if next-generation internet was available UK-wide.

Countrywide optical fibre infrastructure would offer greater economic rejuvenation than any other form of investment, Peter Cochrane of technology consultancy Cochrane Associates recently wrote in a blog post for 360°IT.