Partner Article

Many offline people 'wouldn't connect'

More than two-fifths (43%) of adults who do not have access to the internet at home say that they would choose to remain unconnected even if they were given a free PC and broadband connection, research has revealed.

The figures come ahead of the Government’s Digital Britain report, to be published soon, which will develop the idea of universal broadband in the UK.

Ofcom’s survey also found that one in five adults who do not have the internet plan to go online in the next six months.

The new figures show that 70% of UK adults now have the internet at home. The research looked at reasons why 30% of UK adults do not have the internet at home and the barriers that prevent them from taking it up in the future.

42% of adults stated that their main reason for not having the internet at home was lack of interest or need. Some also felt they were too old or believed that it is for younger people.

Ofcom’s partner for strategy and market development, Peter Phillips, said: “The research shows some genuine opportunities for policymakers wishing to drive take-up of internet services.

“But it also shows that some creativity will be required if we wish to capture the imaginations of those who have yet to engage with the benefits the internet may bring.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .