Drop in home internet connections

The number of UK homes connected to the internet has fallen for the first time, according to a new study.

It is too early to say from a single quarter's results whether this represents a change in the long-term trend

Oftel spokesman

The figures show the number of households connected to the world wide web dropped from a peak of 40% in May to 39% in August.

It is the first recorded dip since the telecoms watchdog Oftel began measuring the figures in January 1999, when just 12% of homes were online.

The fall is likely to fuel speculation that home use of the internet has reached saturation point, but Oftel is not drawing any conclusions.

A spokesman said: "It is too early to say from a single quarter's results whether this represents a change in the long-term trend.

"We will continue to track home penetration and adult usage."

Greater accessibility

The study also found home internet users were more likely to have other technologies, including mobile phones and digital television.

People more likely to use the internet at home tend to come from higher income groups, larger households and younger and middle-aged households.

But over the last year, Oftel found an increase in the number of lower income groups being connected.

"This may be due to increased availability and affordability of access methods, such as digital television and mobile phones," the spokesman said.

During August, consumers claimed to be spending an average of just over eight hours a week online.