The companies which provider internet services (ISPs) may soon start charging businesses more if they want their websites to be more quickly accessible for customers.

A report from Jupiter Research, seen by the BBC, argues that ISPs may soon create a 'two-tiered' internet - which could end up alienating consumers.

Currently, ISPs operate on small margins as they have to offer consumers cheap internet access. However, the research suggests that they could start charging businesses for faster access to their websites.

An analyst from the firm, Ian Fogg, told the broadcaster "ISPs are not getting much revenue from broadband but they can generate revenue from other services or by charging websites for better access.

"Charging at both ends could be very appealing to them."

"Whether they are doing deals with websites or hindering potentially competitive services, they have to be absolutely clear."

Mr Fogg added that ISPs had to make sure that both businesses and consumers understood how internet access was priced so the system remained fair.

Recently, UK Online found that many small firms still had no internet access or web presence.