Only one in ten small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would switch their internet supplier, despite a third of them reporting problems, new research has revealed.

The Soaring Not Surfing research showed that, out of the 345 IT managers who took part in the poll, 77 per cent have experienced internet connection failure.

Some 29 per cent asserted that their connection to the internet will sometimes not perform to the standard that is required, according to publication IT Pro.

The majority of SMEs stated that they are not thinking of switching service providers in the near future.

Rob Bamforth, from IT analyst firm Quocirca, said: "SMEs have greater expectations of their suppliers, as they inevitably lack the specialist knowledge and time to deal with the complexities of the numerous options available"

He added that SMEs should have their internet connectivity tailored to fit because of the growing importance of day-to-day IT use.

A recent Ofcom survey fond that broadband penetration has over the last six years from seven per cent in 2002 to 57 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2007.