Germany is still the leading European internet power, with approximately one-quarter of the continent’s online population, according to a report from Information et Publicité.
The research firm also found that German surfers spend an average of 522 minutes a month online. The Spanish and French are also keen surfers averaging 495 and 476 minutes respectively. These findings ties in with a recent report from Nielsen//NetRatings that found that 39% of Germans have broadband connections (see
UK Lags Behind Europe In Broadband Uptake). Studies show that high-speed internet access tends to encourage longer sessions.
Despite the numerical advantage held by Germany, the UK leads the way in online spending. British internet users spent almost E6.5 million online last year while the German total came to only E5 million. Revenues from online advertising are also higher in the UK.
Although the report emphasises the increasing levels of internet penetration in Europe, there is still a gap to bridged with the US. 59% of Americans have access to the web compared to just 40% of Europeans.
