Broadband News

9m Brits still not online

Friday, 27 August 2010

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

More than 9 million adults have never used the internet despite the rapid rise in the number of Brits logging on.

More than 30 million adults use the internet every day, or nearly every day - almost double the estimate from 2006, said the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

And although 73% of households now have internet access, many people still aren’t going online.

Of those that did not use the internet, 39% said that they simply didn’t need it, while 21% claimed lack of skills and 20% just didn’t want it.

Cost was also a factor, with 18% citing the cost of a PC or laptop as a deterrent, while 15% said that broadband packages were simply too expensive for them.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: “The number of UK households with an internet connection now stands at 73% having increased by just 0.9 million since 2009 - clearly demonstrating that we are reaching a stalling point in internet penetration. This highlights the need for the government to really take charge of their ‘digital Britain’ agenda and help the remaining 27% of homes to get connected.

“Of those households without an internet connection, 39% claimed they did not need it. As broadband subscription costs continue to fall year-on-year, there has never been a more compelling time for the government promote the benefits of having in-home access to the internet for those that can get access but wrongly believe it offers no real-world advantages.

“In addition, the digital divide is not getting any smaller, and with the government pushing back their ‘broadband for all’ pledge to 2015, once again it is people in rural areas who will be left waiting.

“The benefits that a broadband connection can offer are enormous - educational, financial, entertainment, communication and career advantages. If every household in Britain is to enjoy these rewards it is crucial for the UK government to work with the industry to prioritise the UK’s digital evolution.”