Small and medium-sized businesses would cut investment in IT hardware, software and support before they would reduce the quality of their internet connection, according to a survey by Easynet connect.

If forced to cut costs due to the recession 62% of the SMEs surveyed said that they would cut investment in IT hardware, 35% would reduce IT support and 28% would reduce expenditure on software licences.

Highlighting the importance of the internet to small businesses, only 8% would consider reducing the quality of their internet connection if forced to reduce their company's expenditure.

"The internet, and the way its benefits are leveraged, is a critical enabling factor for businesses during the recession. Far from being discretionary, the need for fast, reliable broadband connectivity continues to grow," said Richard Thurston, analyst at Analysys Mason.