Reliability is often coveted by IT support workers in their systems, but it seems that business decision makers have caught on as a new survey shows they place more importance on having a reliable broadband line than a speedy one.

According to the UK Online survey, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) put reliability ahead of quality of service and good values in a ranking of factors that influence their decision on broadband provider.

As many as three-quarters of the 447 companies questioned said they rely on their broadband line being available for their firm to stay in business and so a slow connection is better than no connection.

In a comment to vnunet.com, the managing director of UK Online, Chris Stening, pointed out that the survey suggests greater attention should be paid to the reliability of broadband services.

"Despite recent reports in the media, broadband speed is not necessarily topping UK consumers' list of concerns," he said.

"This is particularly true for business users, who have different priorities when it comes to their internet connection."