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Broadband is not just a new technology but a phenomenon with the potential to change the way people live and work.

Already we are seeing massive volumes of music being bought online and services launched that combine the appeal of TV and video with the interactivity of broadband - allowing customers to watch what they want, when they want and not be tied to TV schedules. People can play video-based games online, by themselves, or against other players who can connect to the same game from anywhere in the world. Schools and universities can link up with experts based in other continents. Large files can be sent easily by email and there's a huge growth and interest in social networking sites.

Consumers are beginning to use broadband simultaneously for higher-bandwidth services such as IP television, streamed video, online gaming and IP telephony. According to an Ofcom survey*, almost two-thirds of broadband internet users rely on it as a source of information; half download entertainment content; 40 per cent use instant messaging; and 38 per cent play online games.

* Ofcom (April 2007), “The Communications Market: Broadband Digital Progress Report”