61 percent of UK households have internet access

The National Statistics Website has recently released its report on internet penetration in UK households. The report reveals the fact that new UK broadband internet connections have accounted for majority (84%) of the the internet connections established in 2007. This shows that broadband is clearly replacing the standard dialup mode of internet access which has many shortcomings when compared with broadband that offers high speed internet access using various technologies.

In 2007, more than fifteen million (15.23) UK households are hooked to internet and this is 61 per cent of total house holds in UK. Region wise, London accounts for the largest number of broadband take up (60 %) and following regions are reported to have the majority of their high speed internet access at homes (i.e. more than 50 percent) via broadband technology:

• East of England
• Southe East
• South West
• North West
• Scotland

The report also shows that more than one-tenths of internet connections in UK households still use other modes of internet acccess like dial-up while significant number of households in various regions of UK do not have internet access citing various reasons for not opting for the newest way of communication. It is curious to know that more than one-third of them have never felt the need of internet access and one-fifth of them pointed out that cost of internet is not cheap to consider, however, a minor part of house holds (15 percent of total households without internet access) expressed their willingness to take up a connection providind there is availability of internet service in their region.

The report also throws light on the internet needs of internet users in UK and their favourite internet activities. Accoridinlgy, almost all users access internet for their communication needs such as sending or receiving emails. It is an interersting fact that overwhelming number of browsers (86%) surf the sites related to online shopping, consumer and other goods and services. Internet banking is also gaining popularity these days as nearly half of the households with internet access use this sophisticated way of money transactions. Other important internet activities which have become indispensable with internet community in UK are:

• Searching information related to tours, travel, accommodation etc.
• Browsing for information related to higher studies, research, training etc
• Online games and downloading the games, video clips, music etc
• Using internet to make VoIP calls