Broadband News

The rise of the silver surfers

(25-07-07) - Older web users dispelled any myths that they’re not tech savvy as new research showed that broadband adoption was growing at a faster rate in the over 55 group than the average internet user.

The report, by the European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA) showed a 26 per cent year on year growth in broadband adoption by the over 55s, compared with only 14 per cent across Europe as an average.

The research also showed that one in five silver surfers visit social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Bebo, on a regular basis. These sites are seen as a realm of the young but the older generation are not trailing too far behind the “digital generation” of 16-34 year olds, 28 per cent of whom regularly use social networking sites.

Alison Fennah, Executive Director of the EIAA said: “It is interesting to see the effect that increased broadband penetration is having on how silver surfers are communicating and spending their leisure time. There is huge growth in usage of online tools made popular by Web 2.0 and we expect this exponential growth to continue.”

European silver surfers were shown to spend an average of 8.8 hours online per week, with 78 per cent of that time used for leisure rather than work.

Chris Eagle, BroadbandChoices.co.uk commercial manager, said: “It’s great to see that the over 55s are embracing broadband in this way. While many are using the internet to keep in touch with far-off friends via email, VoIP and instant messenger, a significant number are also shopping and booking holidays online too - spending an average of €830 (£556) in a six months period.

“Seven per cent have also downloaded TV programmes and films, while another seven per cent are even enjoying online gaming - showing that silver surfers are becoming ever more tech savvy and that broadband has become an essential part of daily life for this important group,” he added.

“After TalkTalk (www.TalkTalk.co.uk) launched the first 18 month contract, a rash of other providers followed, so I have no doubt that more offers like this will spring up to entice customers into two year contracts and to stop them switching,” concluded Mr Phillips.