Broadband Britain: It's happening to you

NEWS The broadband revolution is happening - it's official - with more than 75 per cent of silicon.com readers enjoying the benefits of the high-speed internet, either at work or at home. And speed would appear to be of the essence with faster web surfing cited as the most common reason for having a broadband connection. A survey of more than 2,500 readers conducted from 4 August to 8 August 2003 has thrown the spotlight on the extent to which we're really moving towards Broadband Britain. Less than a quarter of those polled (23.9 per cent) told us they don't have broadband at all. Meanwhile, 54.4 per cent say they have it at home, with 52.7 per cent saying they have it at work - though this latter figure could be clouded by the sharing of a fat, leased line not being considered broadband by some respondents. However, of those that do avail of the technology, 'faster web surfing' is the killer app for at 50.7 per cent of respondents. Other reasons for getting domestic broadband included 'downloading email faster/downloading larger attachments - cited by 21.6 per cent of respondents, 'video on demand/streaming' (nine per cent), and 'music download services' and 'online gaming', both at 5.3 per cent. Only 1.5 per cent of respondents cited 'pornography' as the killer app for broadband, which to some may just be seen as more of a fringe benefit of a broadband connection. Later on this week, silicon.com will be looking at why those without broadband say they don't have it, who they blame and what end users think represents good value for money. Have your say on Broadband Britain. Email editorial@silicon.com