Broadband-for-all faces barriers

A third of British adults not connected to the web say the expense and a lack of knowledge were the main barriers to getting online, a survey has found.

According to research from Ofcom, one in five adults currently without broadband at home are likely to sign up in the next six months, although the government's ideal of broadband-for-all is still a long way off.

Ofcom commissioned the research to get a better picture as to why 30 per cent of UK adults do not have the internet at home and what could prevent them from taking it up in the future.

One of the main tenets in the Digital Britain report, the government's internet road map to be published next week, is a plan for 'universal broadband'.

Digital Britain: key points

However, of those surveyed who are not connected, Ofcom reported that 42 per cent said that lack of interest or need was one of the main factors for not getting online.

According to Ofcom, this group included older or retired people; 61 per cent said they had never used a computer before and some expressed belief that they were too old or the internet was for younger people.

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What's more 43 per cent of adults currently not connected said that they would choose to remain unconnected even if they were given a free PC and broadband connection.

Peter Phillips of Ofcom said: "Broadband is becoming increasingly important to peoples' ability to participate in the economy and society."

"Some creativity will be required if we wish to capture the imaginations of those who have yet to engage with the benefits the internet may bring," Phillips added.

James Parker, broadband manager at Moneysupermarket.com, said that with a little research those not yet online could find a good deal.

"If you already have a TV subscription, it is likely your provider will throw in broadband for free so ring them up and haggle for a good deal," Parker said.