Free schemes could encourage broadband take-up

A spread of free broadband access schemes could encourage more people to pursue a broadband connection and benefit from the various advantages on offer.

Around 17 million people in the UK have chosen not to install an internet connection in their home, with many not seeing the relevance of the web to their lives, despite the various benefits of VoIP solutions, email and information access, reports the BBC.

The government has responded by setting up UK Online Centres, which target primarily under-privileged regions to help develop confidence and address the fears of those who have no web experience.

Rubi, who is 25-years-old and has two children, takes part in a scheme in Tower Hamlets in east London and told the BBC: "We've been and looked at all sorts of information on all sorts of sites, from search engines to family benefit stuff on Directgov, to kids' games on CBeebies."

Major internet service provider BT has pledged £1.5 billion to upgrade broadband networks in the UK and this could help the government reach its recently-announced target of delivering a two megabits-per-second connection to every home within four years.