However, the rate of increase in the Internet population has slowed from 33 percent in 2000-2001 to just 11 percent in the last 12 months.
The rate of take-up in the over-55 age range rose from 12 percent to 17 percent over the past year, however, Internet users in this age category currently account for just 14 percent of all users in the UK.
The study found that Internet users in the UK spend around seven hours online each week visiting 13 sites on average. However, nearly 10 percent of users admitted to using the Internet for more than 20 hours a week.
Almost 27 percent of users see speed as the one thing theyíd like to improve, however just 13 percent have made the switch to broadband services.
Nearly three-quarters of those with Internet access at work use it for personal reasons, but only 14 percent admitted to feeling guilty about doing so.
The Which? study also indicates that nearly nine million people made an online purchase in the past year.
www.nua.ie
Almost a third of the UK is online
Around 19 million people in the UK have access to the Internet, according to a new study by the consumer group Which? Online.