Wider Pipelines for Wales

The Welsh are rapidly adopting broadband, according to research for The Welsh Assembly by ORC International. However, its men are more likely to rate themselves as 'advanced' computer users, while women often admit to finding the screen and keyboard 'a bit scary'.

The survey, for the Assembly Government's Broadband Wales Programme, analysed the broadband habits and opinions of more than 5,500 Welsh residents over 18 months. Twice as many men as women consider their computer knowledge 'advanced', with males aged between 16 and 24 most confident.

Internet usage was generally higher among men, with many citing online banking (47% compared to 39%) and working from home as key reasons for getting online - online gaming and selling online are also popular. Broadband usage in Wales is increasing rapidly, with household penetration increasing from just 15% to around a quarter during 2004 - similar to all-UK levels. More than a quarter (27%) of all Welsh businesses now have a broadband connection, with a further 36% 'likely to get it' in the next six months. Among businesses with more than 49 employees, 82% were connected to broadband.

Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, and e-Minister said that regardless of the gender differences, 'the good news is people are increasingly applying the Internet to their daily lives' and pointed to broadband take-up levels above the UK average.

ORC International is online at www.orc.co.uk

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

• ORC International
• All news
• MrWeb info