Mobile broadband use on the rise

Internet users in the UK could be encouraged to compare the various mobile broadband deals on offer as wireless connection is proving more and more popular.

According to a recently-published report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 31 per cent of the UK’s internet users currently connect to the web via a mobile phone.

This represents a significant increase on the 23 per cent reported in 2009.

Overall, the number of people using mobile broadband increased too, with users of laptops, netbooks and smartphones etc, accounting for 45 per cent of internet users, according to the report.

This represents an increase of five percentage points when compared to last year’s report.

People aged between 16 and 24 years are mainly behind the rise in mobile broadband popularity, with 44 per cent of this age group accessing the web via their mobile phones, the ONS repored.

ONS spokesperson Mark Williams, said: “We have seen changes in the way people connect and in the frequency of connection, with 31 per cent of internet users connecting via a mobile phone in 2010 compared to 23 per cent in 2009.

“The use of Wi-Fi hotspots continued to rise with 2.7 million people (seven per cent of internet users) using wireless hotspots at locations such as cafes, restaurants, and hotels.”

Publication of the ONS report follows research from Analysys Mason, which revealed that broadband customers are currently benefiting from reduced prices in the US and Europe, while at the same time enjoying faster connection speeds.