22 May 2008
A report produced by Ofcom has shown that rural households are now more likely to have a broadband connection than residents of cities and towns.
The regulator's regional communications market report shows that 59% of rural households have broadband compared to 57% of urban homes.
Four years ago people living in towns were twice as likely to have broadband in their homes as those living in the country.
Ed Richards, Ofcom's Chief Executive, said:
Our report highlights a closing of the geographical digital divide in the UK. Rural households are today as well connected to broadband as their urban neighbours.
The report also reveals big differences in take-up of modern communications across the UK.
Ofcom's report also shows just how rapidly new mobile technology is changing Britain. 20% of UK households now rely solely on a mobile phone, and in Greater Manchester 28% of homes use a mobile but have no fixed line telephone.
3G phones are also taking off rapidly. Dundee is the city with the highest levels of 3G phone use, with nearly 3 in 10 people using one.
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