29% of adults in Ireland couldn't go a full hour without internet

RTÉ News​

3 days ago

A new survey reveals that 29% of adults in Ireland said they could not last a full hour without the internet.
The annual Connected Lives survey from broadband and telecoms provider Pure Telecom also reveals that 40% of people would turn down €5m in cash if it meant they could never use the internet again.
The survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom.
Pure Telecom said the survey's findings also show a trend among the general adult population that relationships conducted online are becoming as valuable as in-person ones.
48% of people feel that their online interactions feel just as meaningful as in-person conversations, while 61% credit the internet for improving their relationships with friends and family.
The survey also shows that thrifty consumers are seeking cost value.
74% of broadband account holders said they shop around before their broadband deal ends to ensure that they are getting the best deal, while 67% contact their broadband provider to negotiate pricing with them once their contract ends.
Paul Connell, CEO of Pure Telecom, said it is only when we stop to think that we realise just how much we rely on the internet for our everyday lives and human connections.
"We are sending instant messages to friends, tracking workouts and watching TV - all online - so in that context, an hour can feel like a long time. In fact, our research found that one-in-10 adults – more than 400,000 of us – couldn't even make it beyond 15 minutes," he said.
He also said the majority of the survey respondents (74%) believe that broadband should be classed as a public utility.
"We take our responsibility in delivering that service seriously, both in terms of quality and value, and encourage consumers that if they are unhappy with the cost, they should shop around," he added.