Connection reliability is the most important consideration for small firms looking to pick a new internet service provider (ISP), new research has revealed.

Perhaps surprisingly, broadband speed came last in the list of factors considered important in such a choice in the poll by UK Online, vnunet.com reports.

The ISP's study also found that almost 70 per cent of small businesses turn to the web for communication, while about three-quarters believe their firm's success is reliant on the internet.

"Despite recent reports in the media, broadband speed is not necessarily topping UK consumers' list of concerns," commented Chris Stening, UK Online managing director.

Last month, a spokesperson for trade body the Internet Services Providers' Association said that broadband will soon become "an absolute necessity" for many UK households for the use of services such as film downloads and online gaming.

Increasing numbers of teenagers are already used to broadband by the time they leave school, he added.

Monday, 10th December 2007

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