40% Europeans strangers to Internet

As more public and business services go online many of those in poorer countries are in danger of being left behind. Around two-thirds of Greeks, Bulgarians and Romanians do use the Internet, found the European Commission’s report on the i2010 strategy’s results to date.

"It is especially good news that 77 percent of EU businesses, 67 percent of schools and 48 percent of physicians are now benefiting from fast broadband connections,” said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media.

“However, some parts of the EU are still lagging behind and are not fully connected. All EU countries must therefore work harder to close the gaps, to enhance cross-border communication services as well as services that also reach rural and remote regions,"

Internet use varies widely across Europe due to the pricing structures and technology available. Other factors that affect adoption of the Internet are the age of the population, employment rates and the level of education, says the report.

Tags: broadband penetration, Europe, i2010, Internet usage