Oftel reckons prices for broadband have fallen so much that the UK has is just as cheap as France, Germany or the USA.

It's latest research found that prices for DSL have fallen by almost 40 per cent since the beginning of the year.

It also claims user numbers are up by 50 per cent.

The telecoms watchdog reported that the UK now has more than 600,000 broadband connections with numbers growing by 20,000 a week.

Said Oftel chief, David Edmonds, in a statement: "The UK is as cheap or cheaper for consumer broadband than all countries surveyed except Sweden.

"Oftel's research shows that the UK has a more competitive broadband market than either France or Germany, with consumers taking services from a range of networks and service providers," he said.

When Mr Edmonds and his chums finish slapping each other on the back for this, perhaps they could turn their attention to ensuring that broadband is rolled out nation-wide - and not just the urban elite. Oh, and none of this satellite nonsense that costs a grand to install.

To read the report in full, go here"