Access, ownership and usage research
This section provides insights in to UK access, ownership and use of communications services and devices among people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable, including looking at demographics such as age, socio-economic group, income and any condition which impacts or limits their daily activities or the work they can do.
Ofcom has published a research report that explores the experiences of some customers in vulnerable circumstances who have recently been in contact with their communication providers. In particular, the report looks at whether these customers experienced a service in line with the measures in our treating vulnerable customers fairly guide (PDF, 1.6 MB).
This survey looks at the access and use of communications devices and services among consumers with and without limiting or impacting conditions, and monitors the limitations and preventions of use caused by their limiting or impacting conditions.
Use of communication services, consumer omnibus (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Key findings
- People with a condition that limits or impacts their daily activity or the work they can do are more likely to be older than those without such conditions.
- Household ownership of computers, games consoles, smartphones and smart TVs is less likely for people with an impacting/limiting condition compared to people without.
- Personal use of the internet is less likely for people with an impacting or limiting condition compared to those without.
- People with an impacting/limiting condition are more likely than those without to be the sole decision maker for choice of broadband service provider.
Source
Data, questionnaire and a technical report are available on our statistical release calendar.
Methodology
Fieldwork for this survey took place from 26 February – 10 March 2020. It involved 4,278 in-home interviews among UK adults aged 16+. The sample is reflective of the UK profile by sex, age, socio-economic group, region, and employment status.