UK Web Users Catching The Broadband Bug, Says Research

The study shows that of the 10 million UK households now connected to the internet, 12% already have some form of high-speed internet access such as ASDL, ISDN or cable. Although take-up was initially slow, a recent report by Oftel revealed that broadband penetration doubled in the first half of 2002 (see Broadband Britain A Step Closer, Says Report).

Continental predicts that a total of 700,000 homes will upgrade to a faster internet connection in the next twelve months. Younger households, with web users aged between 15 and 34, have so far showed the most interest in high-speed services.

UK Internet Penetration
Households	Number (millions)
Total	24.4
Connected To Internet	10.0
With Faster Connection Speed	1.2
Connecting Via Regular Phone Line	8.8
Likely To Upgrade To Faster Speed	0.7
Source: Continental Research, August 2002

Online activities It is estimated that UK web users spent an average of £305 online in the last twelve months. As a result, Continental calculates that internet spending totalled £5.5 million, of which men accounted for 70%.

As well as online shopping, activities which have proved popular among British surfers include using web-based email, banking, accessing travel information and downloading music.

Activities Carried Out By UK Internet Users In Last Twelve Months
	Online Users Doing Activity (%)	Total Number Doing Activity (millions)
Used Hotmail Account	36	6.4
Checked Bank/Building Society Statement	32	5.7
Accessed Travel Route Maps	27	4.8
Downloaded Music	21	3.8
Contacted Someone Through Friends Reunited	17	3.0
Used Chat Rooms	16	2.9
Checked Credit Card Statement	15	2.7
Visited Public Service Sites	15	2.7
Carried Out Online Banking Transaction	15	2.7
Listened To Radio Station Online	13	2.3
Registered With News Or Sports Site	12	2.1
Listened To An Album Or Single	12	2.1
Tried To Trace Family History	8	1.4
Obtained Info From Utility Company	4	0.7
Share Dealings	3	0.5
Placed A Bet	2	0.4
Source: Continental Research, August 2002