European broadband usage up 12% in 2007

December 5, 2007 – Broadband usage in Europe has increased 12% since 2006 to reach a 42% penetration rate, according to a new official survey.

The survey, conducted by national statistics offices across Europe, found that in the first three months of this year 54% of European households had an Internet connection, up from 49% in 2006.  Internet access in the UK has risen by four percentage points to 67%, and broadband penetration has increased markedly from 44% to 57%.

The survey also found that Internet access varies strongly across Europe, with 83% of Dutch households having Internet access, compared to 19% in Bulgaria.  Denmark was second in terms of Internet penetration with 78%, followed by Germany with 72%, with the UK coming fourth.

The survey also found a gender gap in Internet usage as people become older, with nearly one third of European men using the Internet at least once a week, compared to under one fifth for women.