UK digital divide narrowing, claims Ofcom

Ofcom chief Ed Richards highlighted a narrowing gap between the digital haves and have-nots

The digital divide between countries in the UK is diminishing, according to a report from Ofcom. 

The same research last year found a 12 per cent gap between the number of adults in Northern Ireland with broadband at home (24 per cent) and England (36 per cent).

Wales and Scotland came in the middle with 25 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

This year's report shows that this disparity had reduced to three percentage points, with England at 45 per cent and Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales all reaching 42 per cent.

The proportion of UK households able to receive competitive broadband and phone services through local loop unbundling increased by 27 per cent, from 40 per cent at the end of 2005 to 67 per cent at the end of the 2006.

"The geographic gap between the digital haves and have-nots in the UK has been gradually narrowing," said Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards.

"But we need to do more to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from the economic and social benefits that modern communications offer."

In 2005 the gap between the take-up of digital television in different countries was even larger at 19 percentage points. Wales was top with 72 per cent, England 66 per cent, Scotland 60 per cent and Northern Ireland 53 per cent.

By 2006 this gap had reduced to 13 percentage points. Wales was still on top with 82 per cent, Scotland at 76 per cent, England at 75 per cent and Northern Ireland at 69 per cent.

The research also found that people in Northern Ireland watch 3.3 hours of television a day, rising to 4.1 hours in Scotland.

Ofcom's Communications Market Report for the Nations and Regions of the UK examined availability, take-up and usage of internet, telecoms and broadcasting services.

The survey compared findings across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the nine English Regions.