New figures from Eurostat, the statistical office of the
European communities, have shown that broadband use is rising in
businesses across Europe.
The survey of 25 European Union member states, plus Iceland and
Norway, revealed that 94% of businesses with 10 or more staff had
internet access at the start of this year, up from 91% at the
beginning of 2005.
But broadband use had increased more sharply, with 75% of
businesses using a broadband connection in 2006, compared with just
63% last year.
The figures showed the UK lagging behind in internet
connections, with 92% of firms connected. But broadband use was
slightly wider, covering 77% of companies.
Finland had the highest proportion of businesses using the
internet at 99%, closely followed by Denmark and Austria on 98%.
Only Latvia (80%), Cyprus (86%), Lithuania (88%) and Poland (89%)
had fewer than 90% of businesses connected to the internet.
Finland also topped the broadband league, alongside Sweden. Both
countries had 89% of businesses using broadband. But figures were
far lower in other parts of Europe, with just 46% of Poland’s
businesses covered, while figures for Cyprus (55%), Lithuania (57%)
and Latvia (59%) were also low.
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