UK households lead world for e-buying

The new poll, by internet research firm NetValue, showed that in terms of e-commerce transactions, the UK is starting to carve a niche for itself, once again establishing its position as the country with largest percentage of secure connection transactions per internet household.

The survey found 44.1% of UK households visiting an e-commerce during the last six months made a secure internet connection of some kind. The only country coming close to the UK's level was Singapore, with 40.9%.

However, Korea leads the way in the number of internet households visiting e-commerce sites with 75.7%, with the US second with 74.5% and the UK third with 72.3%. Coupled with its high transaction rate, the figures suggest Britain is the most open country worldwide to the idea of buying over the net.

Overall, household internet use rose in the UK over the first six months of 2001 by 9.3%, substantially more than Germany or Denmark, but lagging behind Spain and France.

Meanwhile the gender gap for internet usage is closing, with 42.2% of the UK's internet population being female.