BT has broken the barrier of five million broadband customers, making it the first UK internet service provider (ISP) to reach such a number.
The company announced the landmark number yesterday although BT Retail actually signed up the customer back on 9 December.
John Petter, managing director of BT's Consumer division, said in a statement: "We are thrilled to have passed the five million mark and it's now full speed ahead for six million."
He added: "Broadband has the ability to transform people's lives and the fact that we are still showing strong take-up when there are more than 14 million ADSL broadband customers in the UK is testament to the unique benefits of being connected."
The woman who became the five millionth customer was Elizabeth Patterson of East Kilbride, Glasgow. BT has rewarded her with a trip to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
"I am really excited to have won this prize, as I have never been to Canada before," she said in a statement.
"I decided to sign up for broadband so that I could shop online for Christmas presents and so that my son Jamie, who is 11, can use the internet to help with his homework."
BT is currently investing 1.5 billion into laying fibre for broadband connections to 40 per cent of UK homes by 2012.
