UK broadband use continues to climb

Communications regulator Ofcom has said that the digital divide that separates England from its UK counterparts is lessening.

By the close of 2006, 45 per cent of homes in England has signed up to a broadband provider, compared to 42 per cent of homes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – a far smaller divide than the 12 per cent lag seen in 2005.

These figures show significant rises in every country – England ‘s broadband take-up stood at just 36 per cent at the end of 2005, whilst Northern Island stood at 24 per cent, Wales 25 per cent and Scotland 31 per cent.