Home internet use 'growing'

Nearly a quarter of the population logs on from home

Logging on to the internet is becoming more common with almost a quarter of the UK's population surfing the net from their own homes, according to a survey.

Research by telecoms watchdog Oftel showed about 14 million people in the UK, or 22% of the population, were logging on to the internet at home.

Around six million homes in the UK are hooked up to the net, the survey said.

But figures released by Which? in July showed nearly 15 million British adults had no plans to ever use the internet - almost a third saying it was too expensive and was irrelevant to them.

And the Oftel survey revealed that only 18% of consumers felt companies were providing enough information for them to find the best internet access package.

But Oftel said the report showed that consumers were continuing to make use of the choice of products available and were interested in new high-speed services such as fast internet access.

Too expensive

A third of internet users now use more than one internet service provider (ISP), said Oftel.

Among its other findings were that one in 20 of UK households now uses mobiles instead of fixed phones.

Oftel's director of regulatory policy, Chris Kenny, said: "Although competition is increasing, it is important that consumers have the information necessary to help them choose the best possible deal.

"This new research programme - and the initial findings from it - will help us focus our attention on areas where consumers would benefit from more information."

A parallel quarterly survey of small businesses will provide a picture of the business market. The first set of results is expected early in the autumn.