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)

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