A survey of 1,200 British businesses by telecommunications regulator Ofcom found that 28% have encountered issues with the reliability of their internet connection.

According to the research, 24% of surveyed businesses have changed either their fixed or mobile broadband communications supplier during the last four years.

Despite this, four-fifths of the organisations that took part in the survey described themselves as "broadly satisfied" with the level of service they have received from their provider.

"Our research identifies that most business users are satisfied with their overall service and the value for money received, as well as with other aspects such as availability and range of services," Ofcom’s report said.

However, the regulator did warn that communications providers were not doing enough "to help business consumers make the most of the opportunities afforded by competition", suggesting measures such as introducing simpler models for comparing price and service.

In a bid to improve nationwide broadband coverage and speeds, the government has announced that it plans to introduce a £6 per year tax on all UK landlines.