Ofcom finds older people not interested in the internet

Although three-quarters of UK homes are expected to be online by the end of the year, Ofcom has found a significant percentage of people who are still not interested in having the internet.

The regulator said its latest study found these people tended to be older and retired and 61 per cent have never used a computer. Many struggled to express any reason why they should have the internet at home; some also felt they were too old or believed that the internet is for younger people.

Although a lack of resources is a factor cited by 30 per cent of adults as a barrier, over two fifths in the group uninterested in getting an internet connection (43 per cent) said that they would choose to remain unconnected; even if they were given a free PC and broadband connection.

The research comes ahead of the Government’s Digital Britain report to be published next week, which will develop the idea of universal broadband in the UK.

Ofcom said it was possible respondents may change their mind once they find out more about the benefits of using the internet but obstacles other than a lack of interest and resources had to be considered.

“A significant proportion of those over 65 suffer from different disabilities including visual, mobility or hearing impairments. They are likely to require support in terms of training and using existing equipment, as well as technology that is adapted to their needs48.

!Those with a limited income are likely to require help with the costs of buying a computer and subsidies on monthly tariffs," according to the study.

Peter Phillips, Ofcom’s Partner for Strategy and Market Development, said “Broadband is becoming increasingly important to peoples’ ability to participate in the economy and society.

"The research shows some genuine opportunities for policy makers wishing to drive take up of internet services. But it also 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 Accessing the Internet at Home study of 1,841 face- to-face in-home interviews with respondents aged 16 and over across the UK without internet access at home was carried out between Februarys to April 2009.

The research looked at the reasons why 30 per cent of UK adults do not have the internet at home and the barriers preventing take-up in future. Forty two per cent of adults surveyed stated that their main reason for not having the internet at home was due to lack of interest or need.

Around 30 per cent said the barrier was financial. Just over half of respondents in this group (51 per cent) gave as their main reason expense or costs while just under three in ten (27 per cent) said the cost of a computer or not owning a computer was their main reason for not having an internet connection.

Those intending to get the internet in the next six months are more likely to be younger, use the internet already outside of the home, are working and have children.