Broadband has been one of the fastest-growing technologies since it was introduced to the mass market seven years ago, communications regulator Ofcom said. The increasing take-up of broadband is contributing to the growth in the number of consumers who are buying goods and services over the web.

Its 'Digital Progress Report' on the broadband market said the figure was up from 39% a year ago and represented a seven-fold increase in the last four years.

More than 13 million small and medium-sized businesses and home users are now online with broadband.