Web user numbers still growing

The number of internet connections in the UK is still growing, with broadband services by far the largest driver for new subscriptions.

According to figures from the Office of National Statistics, last year saw a 6.5 per cent increase in the number of internet connections between December 2002 and December 2003.

And the figures continue to show an upwards trend, suggesting the UK is still a way from hitting saturation point, with the number of connections increasing 0.8 per cent month on month from November 2003 to December 2003.

However, while overall numbers are growing steadily, there is a more dramatic trend in terms of the type of connections used. The number of dial-up connections is falling away rapidly, while the number of always-on broadband connections continues to shoot up.

Always-on connections now account for 22.5 per cent of all connections - up from 10.8 per cent in December 2002.

Meanwhile the number of dial-up connections fell by seven per cent over the year as web surfers make the switch to broadband.

Oftel figures released last year showed that the UK passed the significant milestone of having half of all homes, 12.5 million in total, connected to the internet in October. In December, Oftel reported that the number of broadband connections in the UK had passed three million.

However, IDC analyst Chris Drake last month told silicon.com that ISPs still have some work to do in encouraging users to switch from dial-up to broadband.

Drake said: "There is a need for ISPs to consider offering content services to dial users, to whet their appetite, and give them an insight into how they could benefit from a faster connection."