Broadband

The winner of moneysupermarket.com's second quarterly speed test of almost 60,000 internet connections is O2's 8 Mbps package.

More than half (52 per cent) of the UKs Internet connected population are spending over 24 hours online each week, which is approximately 3.4 hours plus per day, according to a survey by ispreview.co.uk.

More than 14 million (56%) UK households now have broadband internet access - over half of the population and with the number growing by over 1m households every year.

Recent statistics have shown that 9% (1.48 million) of UK households with internet access are still using a dial up connection despite it being much more expensive and less efficient than a broadband connection.

With all major providers now providing a wireless router with their packages, wireless broadband is becoming increasingly popular leaving Brits open to 'piggybacking', according to research from moneysupermarket.com.

In 2008, 16 million households in Great Britain (65 per cent) had Internet access, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is an increase of just over 1 million households (7 per cent) over the last year and 5 million households (46 per cent) since 2002.

Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk, comments on the annual Ofcom review of UK communications: "Broadband has become so much more affordable in recent years - and as such has become an essential part of daily life.

The beginning of term is always a busy time. If you are moving into a new house you will already have unpacking, registration, and getting to grips with paying bills to contend with.

ITV has expanded its football website in preparation for its biggest ever season which includes live rights to the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and England internationals.

Consumers are being seduced by the numerous introductory deals on offer when choosing their broadband package, according to a survey by BroadbandChoices.co.uk.

The summer holidays are in full swing as millions of children across the UK have broken up from school. More time at home means more time spent on facebook, chatting to friends online and downloading music - but are parents actually monitoring what their children are doing online?

The annual pre-season fixture between Sky and Virgin Media to see who will be top of the league with armchair football fans has just become more competitive.

As a new football season fast approaches, moneysupermarket.com looks at the different television packages on offer to sports fans. With the big four - Sky, BT Vision, Virgin and Tiscali - gearing up for a big season, who will be the one to watch?

2008 has seen the broadband industry continue to flourish, with consumers now spending a colossal £2.7 billion a year to subscribe.

Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk.co.uk comments on the hidden costs of mobile broadband usage and offers hints and tips for avoiding them.