(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/tbradford)
Ofcom has published the latest results from its Communications Market Report, revealing how consumer use of networks is shifting across the UK.
British consumers are spending more time online than ever before. The report finds that around 15 million people are actively seeking to disconnect from digital services—opting for a deliberate “digital detox” to focus on family, friends and offline activities.
“The internet has revolutionised our lives for the better,” said Jane Rumble, Ofcom’s director of market intelligence. “But our relationship with the web isn’t always simple browsing. Millions are reassessing the role of technology and taking steps to restore a healthier tech-life balance.”
Access to high-speed broadband continues to expand. Ofcom reports that nine in 10 premises now have access to superfast broadband, up from 83 percent last year. Independent data from ThinkBroadband supports this, showing that roughly 90 percent of homes and businesses can access “superfast” broadband at speeds of at least 24 Mbps.
ThinkBroadband noted that while the UK has met the 90 percent target for 24 Mbps coverage, its monitoring will continue. The next objectives are to push 30 Mbps coverage past 90 percent, track progress toward the 95 percent goal, and follow roll-outs such as G.fast.
Ofcom remains committed to ensuring a universal minimum of 10 Mbps connections across the country—a benchmark enshrined in the Digital Economy Bill that declared broadband access a right. Although some critics label 10 Mbps as modest, the regulator argues this speed is realistic and sufficient for common activities like video streaming.
Mobile connections are also improving in speed and reliability, sometimes outperforming fixed broadband. As mobile networks become faster, it grows harder for people to disconnect. Work expectations that require constant email and messaging access, combined with the pull of social media, make switching off mobile data challenging for many.
4G now represents 46 percent of all mobile connections, up from 28 percent in 2014. Coverage is widespread: 98 percent of homes can access at least one major operator’s 4G network, and 71 percent are covered by all four major networks.
Device ownership continues to rise. Seventy-one percent of adults now own a smartphone, compared with 66 percent last year. Data usage is especially high among younger age groups: 89 percent of 16–24 and 25–34 year-olds use web and data services, 77 percent of 35–54 year-olds, 50 percent of 55–64 year-olds, and 21 percent of those aged 65 and over.
Traditional texting is declining in favour of instant messaging and other over-the-top (OTT) services. Weekly use of OTT apps such as WhatsApp rose to 43 percent of adults from 28 percent in 2014. Photo-focused messaging services like Snapchat are now used weekly by 21 percent of adults, up from 14 percent in 2014. Email use has also fallen as messaging apps become the default for many.
Changes in how people use networks and their growing absorption in devices are creating new social issues: more people report accidental collisions on the street and social friction when friends or family ignore each other while using phones.
These points highlight key findings from the report, which also contains further insights on television and radio consumption. The full Communications Market Report runs to 266 pages and provides detailed data across sectors, offering a thorough picture of the UK’s evolving communications landscape.
What do you think about how people in the UK are using networks today? Share your thoughts below.