Broadband usage saw only a mild increase last year according to a recently updated Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report.

Among 30 states, the Republic was ranked 23rd with more than 270,000 broadband users or 6.7 subscribers per 100 inhabitants by the end of December 2005. That figure was more than double the number of subscribers in 2004.

Despite the increase in broadband users, the State's net increase of new subscribers fell behind 18 other states. Ireland added 3.29 subscribers per 100 people compared to the OECD average of 3.26 new customers during 2005.

Iceland, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands and Australia saw the largest subscriber growth. Each had an increase of more than six subscribers per 100 people.

According to Damien Mulley, chairman of IrelandOffline, an internet consumer advocacy group, the report showed the Republic was still falling behind.