The UK will climb the broadband speed charts over the next few years, one internet service provider has claimed.

Speaking to V3.co.uk, Andrew Beckhaus, Head of Business Markets at NTL:Telewest Business London, said broadband providers were working hard to reduce the deficit on other highly-connected nations around the world.

Last week, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ranked the UK as 21st out of 30 developed countries in terms of super-fast broadband provision.

However, Mr Beckhaus told the news provider that significant changes would be seen over the next two years.

"People want high speeds from their broadband, and providers like ourselves are meeting these demands," he stated.

"The benefits of high-speed internet access for things like cloud computing and unified communications are becoming increasingly popular as IT managers look to use their networks more effectively and efficiently."

Mr Beckhaus said demand had been "stronger than anticipated" for NTL:Telewest's 20Mb cable modem services.