Increased web usage in the EU
Jinfo Blog

6th August 2009

By Penny Crossland

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A new report on Europe’s digital competitiveness, published this week by the European Commission (http://digbig.com/5badmb) shows that during the last five years the number of EU citizens using the web on a regular basis has increased by one third (from 43% in 2005 to 75% now). Also, encouragingly, around half of all households and 80% of all businesses have a broadband connection. With 114 million subscribers, this makes the EU the largest world market for fixed broadband access. Unsurprisingly, the age band comprising 16 to 24 year olds is the most active on the web. Almost 70% of this age group uses the internet daily, mainly to create and share online content. The report refers to these young people as ‘digital natives’. However, the digital revolution has not yet reached everybody: the report shows that almost a third of Europeans have never used the web – mainly the less-well educated, unemployed and elderly. Providing broadband access to these groups will remain a challenge. Whilst Ireland, France, the Baltic States, Hungary and the Czech Republic saw the largest increases in web use, the EU reported that Italy, Portugal, Cyprus and Romania were lagging behind other member countries. The UK fairs well in terms of digital competitiveness, demonstrating some of the highest levels in broadband penetration and internet access. In keeping with our reputation as a ‘nation of shopkeepers’, we come top of the rank of businesses selling online.

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