Ofcom review shows technology to be a "priority for Britons"

Britons are more likely to cut back on holidays and meals out than technology during the recession, according to an Ofcom review published today.

The report asked consumers what they were most likely to cut back on during the recession. 47% said going out for dinner, 41% said DIY and 40% said holidays; however, only 19% said they would cut back on mobile phone spending, 16% on TV subscriptions and 10% on highlighted broadband services.

The review also found that:

- In May 2009 consumers spent an average of 19 minutes a day online at home

- Takeup of broadband in the UK is at 68%, compared to 58% last year

- In May this year, there were 250k new mobile broadband connections, up from 139k in May last year

- 50% of internet users use Facebook

- There were 2.6 million Twitter users in May 2009

- Men are more likely to watch catch-up TV

- Leeds has the highest take-up off mobile broadband in the UK; the Scottish Borders has the lowest

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For the full article, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8186127.stm