Americans would rather keep their Internet connections than keep their cell phone or television service, a new study found.

Despite the souring economy, more and more Americans are buying high-speed Internet service, the study found -- and the most dramatic increase in broadband adoption has been in groups that traditionally use it less than average.

More than twice as many people surveyed said they had cut back or canceled cell phones or TV rather than Internet service -- 22 percent versus 9 percent.

In April this year, about 63 percent of adults have broadband connections at home, according to Pew Internet and American Life Project. That's up about 15 percent from the same time last year.

The study was released Wednesday by the Washington-based research group. The center said it interviewed 2,253 Americans in April.

The study found that home broadband connections rose for people in some demographic groups that traditionally had below-average home Internet usage.

People over 65 using the Internet jumped 58 percent in a year, the survey found. For low-income Americans, people who make $20,000 or less, usage increased by 40 percent.

Also on the rise was the price of high-speed Internet. The survey found that home Internet users were paying about $4.50 more in monthly bills this year -- from an average of $34.50 last April to $39.00 this year.

The added price and the recession has not stopped more people from getting on the information highway.

"Broadband adoption appears to have been largely immune to the effects of the current economic recession," the study said.

"In the face of a severe economic recession, may seem surprising ... On the other hand, the migration to the Internet of many resources for finding and applying for jobs may prompt some to cut something else and keep (or add) broadband."