Almost 37m Britons 'using web each month'

More than 60 per cent of Britain's population went online in an average month during 2007, a new report has revealed.

A study by research firm eMarketer has discovered that last year nearly 37 million people connected to the web each month, leading the organisation to predict similar levels of internet use over the coming year.

The company estimated that during 2008, British residents will account for "at least" 40 per cent of all western European online purchases.

By 2011, although other countries will have caught up to a degree, the UK will still account for the greatest share of the European market, eMarketer added.

Karin von Abrams, senior analyst with the research organisation and author of the report, said: "Britain has one of the most experienced and active online populations in the world."

She added: "Confidence in e-commerce is high."

According to communications watchdog Ofcom, the internet has outstripped radio as a publicity medium and is more than halfway to reaching the amount spent on television advertising.