20% of adults who don’t have online access at the moment will get it in the next six months, according to a survey from Ofcom.

The survey analysed why 30% of UK adults do not have the internet at home and what stops them signing up in the future. Recently the Communications Consumer Panel research that revealed that many people already regard broadband as an essential service at home similar to gas and electricity.

Those intending to get the internet in the next six months are more likely to be younger and working, use the internet already outside of the home and have children.

The main reasons cited for getting internet access is for information or to source information (36%) followed by social networking (26%), keeping up with technology (25%) and because friends and family recommended it (25%).

The Government’s Digital Britain report which is due out shortly will advocate the idea of universal broadband in the UK.

The research also identified two main groups of people without the internet who do not plan to access the internet at home. Some have no interest or desire to sign up (mostly older and retired although including some who do not want to be on line for religious or philosophical or life-style reasons), and those who simply can not afford it.

Tony Attwood

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