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Broadband users spend half their leisure time online

What do you do to relax? According to a recent survey by NetPop; a division of Market research firm Media-Screen LLC, there is nearly a 50% chance you'll be on broadband. The survey looked at what Americans do in their spare time and out of an average 4.5 hours of free time every day, they choose to use their broadband for 2.2 hours.

Broadband is so integrated into everyday life, that it's part of general multitasking. TV and broadband that seem to go together the most, with four out of five people saying they go online while watching the telly.

But what are they using their broadband for? Work is the main reason, with over 63% of people using broadband to complete work for themselves or for their employer. A quarter of broadband users are switching on to websites that provide them with TV listings information, so broadband is helping enhance the TV experience, or at least it makes sure we don't miss our favourite shows. 15% of broadband users go on line to carry out shopping.

Broadband grabs men and women equally with no difference in the numbers who surf. It is affected by opportunity however and this is reflected in the income levels of those surveyed. High earners have less free time; those earning above £35,000 have 4.1 hours per day and spend 45% of their free time on broadband. Households that earn less than £25,000 have more free time per day and indulge more of it; 49%, on broadband.

Broadband as a leisure interest is a growing trend. Two thirds of high earners say they are spending more time on broadband. And overall 55% of people reckon they are spending more of their free time using broadband. So collapse on the couch and spend some quality time with your broadband. Everyone's doing it.

14/07/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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