Mrs May stressed that the proposal was to store the detail of communications - who talked to who in a Skype internet phone call for example - rather than the content of what was said.

BBC: Computer keyboard and mouse

And, you couldn't make a free phone call over the Internet--no one had even heard of the Internet.

FORBES: Transforming Telecom

The proposals to be brought forward would address the fact the police - who can already tell when, where and who made a mobile phone call or sent a text message - cannot always trace the origin of an email, a message sent via instant messaging or a phone call made over the internet.

BBC: 'Fresh proposals' planned over cyber-monitoring

The judge likened surfing the Internet at work to reading the newspaper or making a personal phone call, and Choudhri's attorney, Martin Druyan, says the web browsing never affected his client's performance.

NPR: Is Web-Surfing a Job Hazard?

One driver admitted failing to see a red light because he was on the phone and another denied making a call saying he was only using the internet.

BBC: Driver on mobile phone (generic)

Phone regulator Oftel has weighed in and told BT to offer its rivals deals for Flat Rate Internet Access Call Origination (Friaco).

BBC: Unmetered web access in trouble