Page last updated at 23:32 GMT, Wednesday, 5 August 2009 00:32 UK

Scots would cut holidays over web

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Broadband use in Glasgow is the lowest in any major UK city

Scottish consumers would cut back on eating or holidays rather than give up satellite TV or broadband internet access, according to new research.

Communications watchdog Ofcom also highlighted how technology is being adopted far faster in some parts of the country than others.

Ofcom asked consumers which items they would be likely to cut back on in a recession.

Only 23% said TV subscriptions and even fewer suggested broadband or phones.

But the survey of 1,014 people in Scotland found 44% would cut back on holidays or meals out, while 39% chose DIY.

People are really making these very active choices saying being connected, being educated, being kept informed is really very important to them
Dr Vicki Nash
Ofcom Scotland

The report also showed consumers are still seeking ways of saving money, with 42% of households in Scotland taking a discounted bundle of several services from one operator.

A slightly higher proportion of Scots now have digital television compared to the UK as a whole - in Edinburgh it is now in 96% of homes.

However, the number of homes in Glasgow where people use a broadband internet connection is the lowest of any major UK city.

And Scots, aged 15 and over, were less likely to use social networking websites at 20% compared with 30% of adults in UK households.

The research, part of Ofcom's annual Communications Market Report, also found Scots watched the most TV in the UK last year with an average of 4.2 hours a day compared with the UK average of 3.8 hours.

Dr Vicki Nash, Ofcom Scotland director, said: "What the report shows is increasing availability, take up and usage of all the communication services, so digital television, broadband and mobile phone use is increasing in Scotland.

"Most interestingly people are really making these very active choices saying being connected, being educated, being kept informed is really very important to them. They would rather have that than go on holiday or eat out."

Dr Nash said talks and research with Glasgow City Council would continue to find out why broadband usage was so low in the city.



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