Figures show varying Internet popularity in two of Europe's biggest states
The latest figures in separate surveys show that while Internet take up in the UK is surging ahead, the situation is very different across the Channel in France. Some 66 per cent of the UK population has used the Internet so far this year, according to a Jupiter MMXI survey in the country, translating to around 33 million people. Most of these log on at home. A survey by NOP Family survey also found that 75 per cent of UK children access the Internet, showing a 10 per cent rise in the six months to April 2001.Girls now account for almost half that figure. But the French ministry of finance, economy and industry has found that just 20 per cent of the French population is online at home, and that just six per cent are expected to go online in the coming year. In addition, more than half those who were interviewed who were not already online said that they did not ever see themselves connecting from home. The main reasons cited for this were either not seeing any good reason to, not owning a personal computer or the process being too complicated. Other reasons were cost and the fact that the Internet is not 'French' enough, with much of the content being in English, an issue which the European Commission's eContent programme is hoping to address. A representative from Jupiter MMXI in Paris said that there are practical and cultural reasons for the low levels, citing the late entry of computers in to the French government and education systems. Although the French government sees these figures as disappointing, they still represent an increase from two years ago, when the total of French online was just eight per cent. The governement is currently trying to encourage more people online, but has found issues such as the France Telecom's failure to introduce a flat rate fee for unlimited access has not helped.