NI broadband connectivity increases 12%

The number of people with a broadband connection in Northern Ireland has risen by 12 per cent over the course of the last year.

This means nearly 65 per cent of the Northern Ireland population now has a web connection, according to the figures from UK industry regulator Ofcom, while nearly 40 per cent of residents have chosen to save money through buying bundle deals.

More broadband customers could lead to greater use of VoIP solutions and other online communications as residents look to pursue more money-saving offers.

Denis Wolinski, Ofcom's director in Northern Ireland, said: "It's also good to see that Northern Ireland has closed the gap this year on the rest of the UK for the take-up of broadband and digital TV, with rural areas leading the way."

While fixed-line connectivity has risen, mobilebroadband has been sought by fewer than ten per cent of Northern Ireland residents, several points below the 12 per cent average for the UK.

Intense market competition has meant broadband is one of the only domestic costs to have consistently fallen over the last few years.