UK Internet Use Continues To Rise

A new survey commissioned by Oftel shows that UK home internet use continues to rise with figures revealing that four million homes were connected in the last 12 months. The survey, conducted in May 2001, reveals that 10 million homes now have internet connections, up from 6 million in May 2000 and 8.5 million in February 2001.

More homes than ever are now choosing an unmetered internet package, with 24% of homes now connecting this way against 18% in February of this year, a figure borne out by recent reports of increased take up in broadband internet access.

Mobile phone use also continues to rise with 70% of UK adults claiming mobile phone ownership, 79% of whom have chosen a pre-paid package. 15% of consumers now report that their mobile is their primary means of making and receiving calls.

Of those people who said that they did not have a fixed line at home, 90% have a mobile phone and only 1% of homes remain without either. Whilst 95% of people stated that they were satisfied with their fixed service, it also emerged that almost half of those questioned were not aware of ‘indirect’ telephone services available to them over and above their existing fixed line.

Oftel: 020 7634 8761 www.oftel.gov.uk

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