27/10/2003

Half of all UK homes connect to Internet

Half of all UK homes now have Internet access, according to new consumer research published today by Oftel.

The key findings of the research show that 12.5 million UK households are now on-line, with 750,000 new connections over the last three months. Prices for dial-up Internet access are now cheaper than other European countries surveyed, with prices for residential broadband generally below the European average.

The report also found that around one million Internet customers are likely to upgrade to broadband over the next 12 months.

The findings are set out in consumer research and a benchmarking study comparing Internet services in the UK with other European countries published today by Oftel.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said: "Growth in Internet access, coupled with some of the lowest prices in Europe, is excellent news. Oftel's policy of creating competitive markets for Internet access continues to drive the growth in Internet access.

"Oftel's research shows that a further one million consumers could upgrade to broadband over the next 12 months. We have a growth rate stronger than both France and Germany.

"Our research shows that 90% of Internet customers happy with their overall service. We look forward to these trends continuing."

(gmcg)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 January 2002
Oftel reports 45% of UK homes have Internet access
Latest figures from the telecommunications regulator Oftel have revealed that 45 per cent of UK households are connected to the Internet, compared to a figure of 30 per cent at the same time last year. Oftel's review, of the Internet market, which shows that 11 million homes across the UK are connected, was published on Tuesday January 29.
04 September 2002
'Bring Broadband 2 Strabane' campaign launched
Strabane Chamber of Commerce has launched a campaign to highlight the lack of broadband Internet connection in the area and emphasise the benefits of broadband Internet connection.
21 February 2002
Oftel urges BT to cut internet costs
Telecommunications regulator Oftel has recommended that BT slash their costs for unmetered Internet access. Oftel wants BT to cut the amount it charges Internet service providers to use their existing telephone network by seven per cent.
07 February 2002
BT plan to cut broadband access prices
Plans have been put in motion by BT to cut charges for access to its broadband network, which should lead to cheaper high-speed internet access in the UK. BT's plan to make the changes in the coming weeks are expected to give a shot in the arm to the roll-out of high-speed internet access across the UK.
27 January 2004
Internet recruitment effectiveness doubles, says report
The effectiveness of the Internet in the recruitment process has doubled since 2000, according to research commissioned by recruitment group Reed. The research showed that more than two thirds of HR commentators (72%) now feel that the Internet is an effective recruitment medium, compared to 42% in 2000.