Fifth of unconnected adults plan to get the internet

Around a fifth of adults who do not currently have an internet connection are planning to get one within the next six months, a new study has revealed.

Research from industry regulator Ofcom has found that although 30 per cent of Britons remain offline, around 20 per cent of these people intend to set up domestic access soon, enabling them to run VoIP solutions and download media content.

Of those who do not have a connection, more than 40 per cent have chosen not to buy one and would not use a service even if all the relevant hardware was given to them for free.

Peter Phillips, market development partner at Ofcom, said: "The report shows that 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."

The majority of those who would not use a free connection have never used a computer before.

Consumer Focus has called for more emphasis to be put on the affordability of broadband rather than the development of faster speeds.