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The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that 65 per cent of households have internet access, with 56 per cent of these using broadband connections. These figures have increased since 2006 from 57 and 40 per cent, respectively. These figures mask continuing, distinct regional differences: homes in the South East (74%) have 20 per cent greater connection rates compared to the North East (54%). As a nation, Wales (67%) is marginally better connected than England (66%), followed by Scotland (61%) and Northern Ireland least connected (56%).
About a third of respondents who did not have a connection did not feel they needed the internet (up from a quarter in 2006) while around one in seven cited high costs of access or equipment to be the reason they had no connection.

The highest level of qualification held by an adult (aged less than 70 years) makes a considerable difference to the likelihood of home internet connection: 93 per cent of those with a degree level or higher have a connection as opposed to 56 per cent of those with no formal qualifications. These differences need to be taken into account when designing out of school and home access initiatives.

Women are less likely to have used the internet than men, younger people more than older people; 69 per cent of people use it nearly every day. The most popular activity is email (87% of all respondents), followed by searching for information on goods and services (84%); approaching half (43%) of young adults (16-24 year-olds) use it for learning. 23 per cent of adults have accessed the 'mobile web' using a wireless connection with a laptop and 15 per cent had used a GPRS service on a mobile phone. The report goes into further detail of the types of services accessed on the internet and use of mobile phones.

Generation Y describes the tech-savvy age range of 18 to 28 year-olds. Forrester Research's 2008 North America Technographics Benchmark survey finds that 42 per cent watch online video at least once per month and 72 per cent (from the 82 per cent that own a mobile phone) regularly send text messages. The older Generation
X (aged 29-42) use 'technology when it supports a "lifestyle need" whereas tech is "embedded into everything Gen Yers do" making them the first "native online population"', according to Forrester's Charles Golvin. However, largely confirmed in UK by the ONS report above, Generation X are more likely to use internet banking or shop online than any other age group.

Internet Access 2008 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/iahi0808.pdf
What extended ICT access will you provide? http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/extendedschools/practicalknowhow/ICT_detailed/ICTaccess/pupils
Generation Y keeping companies on their toes http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,39453153,00.htm