Broadband accepted at neck breaking speed

According to the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands, over 80 percent of all households with internet had broadband by June 2006. Four years earlier this was just a quarter. Currently two thirds of all households have broadband. The number of internet users increased from 8.9 million in 2002 to almost 11 million this year. About 6.6 million internet users did buy goods through the internet. That is 3 million more than in 2002.

Spectacular increase in broadband internet

Broadband internet has become widely accepted within a few years. In 2002 only 23 percent of all households with internet had ‘broadband’. In 2006 this share increased to 82 percent. Almost two thirds of these households have ADSL.

In 2006 80 percent of all households have internet. Almost all households use a PC to access the internet. Moreover, 17 percent also has internet access through their mobile phone, palmtop or games computer.

Almost 11 million internet users

In 2006 there are 10.9 million internet users. This is 0.2 million more than in 2005 and 2 million more than in 2002. So the growth rate of the number of internet users is tapering off. The diversity in internet use increased within the last year. Relatively speaking more activities were carried out using the internet than a year ago.

Communication through the internet fast gaining in popularity

Over 90 percent of the internet users make use of email and about 40 percent use the internet for chatting. Chatting is mainly popular among people under 25. Furthermore the internet is increasingly used to make phone calls. In 2006 12 percent of the internet users phoned through the internet. This is double the 2005 figure.

Online shopping and telebanking greatly increased

In 2006 there were 6.6 million internet users who had bought or ordered goods through the internet. That is 0.7 million more than in 2005, and 3 million more than in 2002. Telebanking is also more widely accepted. Over two thirds of all internet users conclude their banking through the internet. This is an increase of 9 percent points on 2005.