16 March 2007

The number of Britons who use new digital technology in their homes is on the rise, according to new government figures.

A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that more than half of all households owned a desktop PC between January and April 2006, with 30 per cent opting for a laptop or portable computer and seven per cent owning a handheld computer.

"Digital technology is relatively new, yet it is already approaching the near universal ownership levels of older technologies," said the ONS in its report.

In addition, 60 per cent of British adults had used the web in the previous three months, compared with 48 per cent in 2001-02.

The number of homes with an Internet connection rose from 50 per cent in 2003-04 to 57 per cent in 2006, with those unable to log on at home most likely to do so from work or another person's lodgings.

© Adfero Ltd

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