Surge in North's home internet sign-ups predicted

A fifth of those without home internet in the North are to sign up in the next six months, research suggested today.

The need for information, communicating with friends or family and keeping up with technology was responsible, the Ofcom study added.

More people are interested in mobile broadband in the North than the rest of the UK, it said.

The research comes ahead of the British government’s Digital Britain report to be published shortly which will endorse universal broadband. Ofcom was investigating why 30 per cent of UK adults don’t have internet at home.

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

Older and retired people are more likely not to have broadband, some have never used a computer.

The report said: “This group shares a sense of indifference, with many struggling to express any reason why they should have the internet at home. Some also felt they were too old or believed that it is for younger people.”

Some said internet at home was too expensive or they didn’t have the knowledge or skills to use it.

Ofcom’s Peter Phillips said: “Broadband is becoming increasingly important to people’s ability to participate in the economy and society.

“The research shows some genuine opportunities for policy makers 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.”

Meanwhile, UTV has launched its new uPlayer which allows users to catch up on any UTV programmes online including 'UTV Live', 'Coronation Street', 'Emmerdale', 'Britain’s Got Talent' and much more.

There is also an archive section with programmes from the past 50 years of UTV.