Britain's adult population is now split evenly between those who have access to high-speed internet and those who do not.
Ofcom, the communications watchdog, have discovered that 50 per cent of British homes have broadband connections.
The figures represent an increase of 11 per cent since last year and suggest that internet is well on its way to rivaling television for people’s attention.
Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards described the figures as "a very significant milestone in the development of broadband Britain".
It was also, Mr Richards said, a sign of a healthy and competitive internet market, full of "competition and innovation".
The rise in broadband is exciting, but it also offers a new set of risks for home owners.
Police websites warn that computers are now a major target of burglars.
Many computer-users are protecting their assets with insurance specifically designed for computers, such as that offered by popular online insurer
InsureandGo.