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"Broadband bills have plummeted by over 60% in the past 18 months while gas and electricity have risen by 15% and are set to rise further by the end of the year" says Jessica McArdle, a spokesperson for broadband comparison site Top 10 Broadband.

Heavy competition amongst ISP’s is seen as being the major contributor to the downward trend which comes as a welcome relief to households struggling with a myriad of rising prices.

An average 18 month contract in January 2007 would have cost on average £13.73, switching today would mean consumers would be looking at options starting at just £3.25 a month.

Mobile broadband has also become a popular option for households. While usage per GB may be more expensive that traditional broadband services savings of up to £131 a year are made by not having to pay BT landline charges.

While it could be said broadband is a non-essential service to households McArdle argues that with technological innovations such as YouTube and the BBC's iPlayer superseding traditional forms of home entertainment, broadband has become a more essential and affordable utility and people are not willing to give it up despite increasing financial constraints.

It is believed the British home broadband culture will see households adapt to a potential recession as people are able to compare prices online like never before.

McArdle says: "with talk of a recession on the horizon, there is no room for complacency and consumers must reconsider their expenditures and make savings where they can. Savvy households are taking advantage of record low prices for broadband and are switching in increasing numbers."

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Related links

• Top 10 Broadband