UK Internet Access Continues To Rise

UK internet access continues to rise with 45% of British homes now connected to the internet, an increase of 10% on the same period last year, according to a report published today by Oftel.

The report, which measures narrowband dial-up internet access excluding broadband and cable modem services, found that 11 million UK homes are now connected to the net. Oftel’s director general of communications, Dave Edmunds, said: “The review shows that consumers have access to a wide range of services and prices for using the internet that are among the best in the world.”

He added: “Dail-up narrowband access is how most consumers start using the internet, so it is important we have a thriving and competitive internet access market. Dail-up access also acts as a stepping stone to faster broadband services as people use the internet to study, shop and for entertainment.”

Oftel is planning to launch a number of initiatives to support internet take-up in the UK and is publishing a consuner guide to help people choose their method of connection.

Figures published by LemonAd recently, show that December was a strong month for the online industry, with the number of online adverts increasing 8% month on month during December (see Online Ads Rise In December).

Oftel: 020 7634 8700 www.oftel.gov.uk

Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive