28 May 2007

The digital divide existent in England is beginning to close, communications watchdog Ofcom has claimed.

In a study encompassing the Internet, digital TV and other modern communications media, the body discovered that the percentage point gap between adults with and without broadband in the UK has fallen from 12 per cent in 2005 to three per cent in 2006.

Furthermore, in urban areas 45 per cent of people have broadband internet access, with rural areas close behind on 41 per cent.

The Communications Market Report for the Nations and Regions of the UK also found that more Britons are now able to take advantage of combined Internet and telephony packages thanks to local loop unbundling.

Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards commented: "The geographic gap between the digital haves and have-nots in the UK has been gradually narrowing, but we need to do more to ensure that everyone is able to benefit."

In April, Ofcom figures revealed that broadband is one of the UK's fastest growing technologies, experiencing a 700 per cent increase in uptake in the last four years.

© Adfero Ltd

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