Better broadband may lead to improved VoIP services

UK residents who used VoIP services may have enjoyed a better service over the last year, a study has suggested.

A new study by Ofcom has found that broadband speeds in the country's homes have become 22 per cent faster in the last year, with an average speed of 7.6Mbps recorded in November 2011, marking a rise from November 2010's 6.2Mbps figure.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "There is a real opportunity for consumers to look at the packages and deals in their area in order to receive the best value, speeds and performance available to them."

Mr Richards added that it is encouraging to see an increase in speeds, with consumers now enjoying a real choice of broadband services.

Recently, a report by Ellipse and Dr Cary Cooper from Lancaster University suggested that VoIP may help to reduce the number of days that workers are absent with sickness.

The research found that 50 per cent of staff believe that flexible working could lower the number of days they take off work with ill-health.