Internet Usage in North Surges

The latest Ofcom survey of consumer habits in Northern Ireland has identified a massive surge in internet usage throughout Northern Ireland. The study revealed that one in three people are using social networking sites. Increasing numbers of people are watching television online and using the medium to make phone calls.

The most outstanding finding produced from the survey is that 70 per cent of all homes in the north now have broadband. This demonstrates a high influx of users, up from 25 percent in 2005. These results have revealed that the north is closing the technology gap with other regions. With ownership of broadband, mobile phones and digital TV increasing the north is now on the same level with Britain.

Ofcom’s director in the north said…

“Over the last four years we have seen Northern Ireland catch up, and in some cases overtake, the rest of the UK in the use of the latest communications services,” Denis Wolinski.

Furthermore, it has also been established that people are becoming more sophisticated with regards to how they use the internet.

Changing consumer habits have lead to:

  • Approximately 20 percent increase of viewing TV online through devices such as BBC iPlayer.
  • 15 percent of using the internet to make phone calls.
  • A 30 percent rise in social networking usage in the past year.