UK internet numbers leap 50 per cent

NEWS The number of Brits connected to the internet leapt by 50 per cent in 2001, up from 7.5 million to 11 million. This means that 45 per cent of UK households now have web access. The figures, compiled by Oftel, only relate to narrowband internet access where the UK has taken a lead on France and Germany. The picture isn't so pretty for broadband though where the UK lags way behind. According to Oftel, Freeserve has a 21 per cent share of the residential market with BT Openworld taking second place with 16 per cent.