Broadband and internet use are a priority for the majority of homeowners, according to a new survey.
Research by BT found that consumers may be tightening their belts and cutting down on luxuries including clothes, DVDs and dining out, but broadband remains a must-have.
The study found that 57 per cent of people would refuse to lose the broadband in their home, compared to 37 per cent of people who cannot live without their mobile phone.
Just 27 per cent said they were not prepared to lose their home phone, the poll found.
Around 14 per cent more people would rather lose out on fresh fruit and vegetables than their broadband.
Just one in four would give up chocolate, while 22 per cent would keep their TV subscription.
Commenting, Alvin Hall, personal finance expert, said: "Clearly fresh fruit and vegetables should be top of everyone's must have list, but staying connected offers a vital lifeline in this 24/7 society we all now live in.
"Broadband offers access to myriad ways of saving money – searching for the cheapest deal, selling unwanted goods on online auctions, downloading discount vouchers, entering competitions and even taking part in surveys like this one in return for cash."
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