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By contrast three-quarters of people under the age of 30 use their home broadband connection to regularly visit social sites such as Facebook and MySpace, according to a Pipex survey.

The survey found significant differences in what various age groups do online. Older web users are more likely to spend time checking emails and using search engines. Only 7% of the over 60s download music compared with 84% of 16-20 year olds.

And when asked what they would like to be able to do online, nearly 60% of 16-20 year olds wanted the ability to order a takeaway online, while more than 70% of over 60s wanted to be able to make appointments with their doctor, hospital or dentist.

"The survey highlighted how broadband has become an integral part of everyday life - be it keeping in touch with family and friends via the more traditional forms of online communication or through social networking sites," says Dominic Crolla, managing director at Pipex Internet.