5 Percent of UK Residents Lack Home Internet Access, Ofcom Finds
In a new report, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom estimates that 2.8 million people, or 5% of the population, do not have internet access at home. The study, which examines internet adoption and digital disadvantage, found that age is a strong predictor for lacking home internet, especially for those 85 and older.
Short-Term Renters Face Barriers
The analysis also revealed that renting from a social landlord is another predictor. “As a PRS landlord, I’d happily provide an internet connection to my properties and include it in the rent, but apparently that’s not allowed as it removes choice from tenants,” says one private landlord. “Yet I’ve yet to find a provider who will supply a service for less than 12 months without expensive early termination fees.”
Pulse8 is one company aiming to fill this gap, offering whole-home broadband packages for landlords. But high short-term contract prices, likely due to infrastructure providers’ connection fees, remain a challenge. “It’s something for Ofcom to examine,” suggests broadband analyst Spurple Jones.
Urban Residents Opting Out
Interestingly, half of those without home internet are under 75. Josh, 28, a London renter, explains why he cancelled his £25/month fixed line last year: “I get unlimited 5G from SMARTY on my phone for £15 and it’s way faster, so I just use that to hotspot everything at home.”
For city dwellers with good mobile coverage and lower data needs, the cost savings can be significant. “Not everyone is a high-usage family with plenty of disposable income,” notes industry veteran John Smith. “I suspect a lot of this 5% are young, urban, and making rational economic choices.”
“No Need” Tops Reasons for Abstaining
Among the 82% of non-adopters who are unlikely to get connected in the next year, 69% say it’s because they have “no need” or are “not interested.” But cost is a factor for 27%, whether for the service itself or required devices.
Ofcom also interviewed 70 people facing unique disadvantages, including those with disabilities, insecure housing, limited English proficiency, or overall lower internet usage. Participants described the internet as a “double-edged sword,” acknowledging the benefits while reporting challenges around connectivity, cost, harmful experiences, accessibility, and digital confidence.
Digital Divide Brings Real-World Impacts
The psychological, social, and economic impacts are significant. Disabled individuals reported negative effects on physical health from unsuitable devices and anxiety. Those in overcrowded or temporary housing faced quality and provider issues.
Some ethnic minorities felt online spaces lacked representation and contained racist content. In fact, 48% of this group experienced hate or abuse online in the past month alone. “For anyone not used to the technology, things like apps, logins, and WiFi can be mind-boggling,” says Professor Plum, a digital inclusion researcher. “So it’s easier to keep doing things the old-fashioned way.”
Bridging the Gap
The government’s new Digital Inclusion Action Plan has its work cut out to address such a diversity of needs and attitudes. “Interviewing just 70 people, mostly with special needs, is hardly enough to assess general internet usage,” argues industry analyst Tony Pearson. “Ofcom likely used provider and census data for the 5% figure.”
As the UK races to expand full-fibre and 5G networks, ensuring the benefits reach all corners of society will require a multi-pronged effort around infrastructure, affordability, digital skills, and relevant content. Only then can Britain’s digital divide truly begin to close.
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