Despite the Recession, Internet Usage is Up

While Americans may balk at purchasing consumer packaged goods, they apparently have no qualms about buying better internet services, such as high-speed connections,according to a recent report. In fact, more than twice as many people surveyed said they had cut back or canceled cell phones TV rather than Internet service — 22% versus 9%.

In April this year, about 63% of adults have broadband connections at home, according to Pew Internet and American Life Project. That’s up about 15% from the same time last year.

The study was released Wednesday by the Washington-based research group. The center said it interviewed 2,253 Americans in April.

The study found that home broadband connections rose for people in some demographic groups that traditionally had below-average home Internet usage.

People over 65 using the Internet jumped 58% in a year, the survey found. For low-income Americans, people who make $20,000 or less, usage increased by 40%.

Also on the rise was the price of high-speed Internet. The survey found that home Internet users were paying about $4.50 more in monthly bills this year — from an average of $34.50 last April to $39.00 this year.

Researchers said the migration to the internet may be to facilitate job hunting.