Growth in internet users could boost VoIP traffic

Nearly two million more UK residents accessed the internet during last year, according to a new report.

The UK Online Measurement Company (UKOM) revealed that the British web audience grew by five per cent to 38.8 million, up from 36.9 million in 2009.

The growth in internet users could boost VoIP traffic as more people have access to the technology.

Many new surfers are over 50, with one million consumers from this age group going online last year, representing half of the overall growth in figures.

Alex Burmaster, speaking on behalf of UKOM, claimed the research shows that that the internet is not only used by young people.

He said: "The internet is getting older in more ways than one. Not only is the medium itself maturing but the audience is shifting towards older age groups."

Around 722,000 of new internet customers aged over 50 were men, while 284,000 were women.