Logging onto the Internet at home is becoming more common with almost a quarter of the UK's population surfing the net from their residence, figures today show.

A survey by telecoms watchdog Oftel showed that around 14m people in the UK, or 22% of the population, were logging on to the Internet at home. The survey also showed that around 6m homes in the UK are hooked up to the net.

Oftel said the report showed that consumers were continuing to make use of the choice of products available and were interested in new high-speed services such as fast Internet access.

However, the survey found only 18% of consumers felt that companies were providing enough information for them to find the best Internet access package.

Chris Kenny, Oftel director of regulatory policy, said: "This research into consumer behaviour will help us to ensure that we are implementing our strategy effectively."

The survey also found that a third of Internet users now use more than one Internet service provider (ISP).