Subscriptions to internet service providers rose 11.5% in Britain last year, according to official figures released today.

Subscriptions were up 0.6% in December compared to November, the report from the office of national statistics added.

Dial-up connections dominated the market, with only 3% of internet subscribers having permanent connections in December.

But the number of permanent connections increased by 10% between November and December, the report said.

The agency's reporting on internet subscriptions began in January 2001, which serves as the base year for surveys.