New figures show that the last four years have seen prices drop by 38 per cent on average, with speeds now some 16 times faster.

Customers subscribing to a provider four years ago could expect to pay around £27 a month, whereas today’s subscribers are getting a substantially faster connection for an average tariff of £17 a month.

Steve Weller, head of communications services at uSwitch.com, comments: “With broadband both the cheapest and the fastest it’s ever been, our love affair with the internet is set to reach great heights this year.”

He added that while the drop in prices should level off, they expect to see offers of faster connections continue.

Virgin has announced that it plans a major upgrade for its broadband service this year.

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