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According to consumer comparison website uSwitch, prices for broadband in the UK have fallen 36 per cent in the past four years while average speeds have risen from 0.5Mbps to 8Mbps.

The experts at uSwitch say no one should have to pay more than £20 per month for standalone broadband, yet nearly five million consumers are still on old contracts a cost of £163 million per year.

The report showed Orange as the having the most expensive broadband for the past five years, while Virgin Media had the fastest services and has just announced it will offer 50Mbps connections next year.

Steve Weller, head of communications services at uSwitch, recommended that anyone without a contract should take advantage of the low prices as soon as possible in the new year.

“We predict that prices will stabilise,” he said, “but customers will be offered more for their money as ISPs continue to increase
speeds.”

Businesses looking to boost their internet speeds could be able to do so without having to invest large quantities of money or time, it has been claimed.

According to independent broadband information website Thinkbroadband.com, many businesses could acquire faster, more reliable internet access simply by refining their existing connections.

Andrew Ferguson, editor of the site, explained that enterprises with broadband connections may be able to improve their existing connection by checking with their internet service provider if any speed upgrades are available, for a small extra monthly fee.

He also advised those companies utilising an ADSL connection to “tidy up telephone wiring” to ensure that it doesn’t affect speeds of these services.

“Broadband can be a lot cheaper than ISDN or leased lines that companies previously used, so those who adopted the internet model early will see savings,” he said, noting that broadband also brings with it benefits such as access to VoIP which can reduce telephone call costs.

For those who require additional speeds, broadband suppliers are currently debating plans to release next-generation super-fast broadband networks, although it could be several years before such connections are available across the nation.