The latest Communications Market report from Ofcom highlights how broadband has finally overtaken dial-up in the UK Internet access market. It's not the first group to state such a thing, but it is perhaps the most important.

In its second annual Communications Market report, telecoms and media regulator Ofcom said almost 30% of all household and businesses had broadband connections, adding that the number of people considering upgrading their Web access rose almost fifteen-fold in three years to 73,800 per week in 2004.

"By the end of 2005, 99.6% of UK homes will be connected to a broadband-enabled exchange," Ofcom said in a statement, noting that falling prices, higher Internet speeds and innovations in video technology were helping fuel growth.