The take-up of broadband in the UK has soared over recent years thanks to the increased availability of high-speed internet services and falling prices.

Although the UK has come a long way over the last couple of years, compared to the 30 other countries that make up the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the UK is still only a middle ranking broadband nation.

Still, at least it beats being a broadband laggard, which aptly described the UK's status two or three years ago.

According to the latest stats to emerge from the OECD, Korea still tops the broadband league table with a broadband penetration rate of 25 per cent, followed by The Netherlands with 19 subscribers per 100 inhabitants hooked up to broadband.

Denmark, Iceland and Canada follow close behind.

For what it's worth, the UK is ranked at number 14 out of the league of 30 nations, behind Sweden, the US and France. In 2000 the UK was down in 22nd place.

In all, there were some 118m broadband users at the end of 2004 in the 30 countries that make up the OECD - up 34m during the year. ®

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