Broadband News

Over-50s using broadband to keep in touch

Friday, 21 August 2009

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Increasing numbers of over-50s are relying on broadband to help them communicate with friends and family.

According to the study by Just Retired, 90% of older people use email to keep in touch, while 65% regularly do their shopping online.

Nancy Johnson, technology and digital inclusion development manager at Age Concern, said that it was important that over-65s were given help and support to allow them to make good use of the web.

"Access is important, but the key to getting older people online is making sure education and training is available to demystify online technology and also demonstrate the potential benefits of going digital," she said.

Johnson added that other research from Age Concern showed that “silver surfers” thought the internet has had a significant improvement on their lives, giving them access to bargain shopping and staying in touch with overseas relatives.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: "The internet is a great way to stay in touch and it can even save you money on your bills and groceries by giving you access to the best online deals.

"As the UK's only broadband provider to accept cash payments over the counter, the Post Office Broadband (www.PostOffice.co.uk) offers a great budgeting tool, while TalkTalk Broadband (www.TalkTalk.co.uk) and Plusnet Broadband (www.Plus.net) offer some of the cheapest broadband packages around."

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