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A third of Italians totally shun the internet

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A third of Italians totally shun the internet
Only 56 percent of Italians use the internet weekly, compared to 72 percent of citizens across the EU. Computer photo: Shutterstock"

More than a third of Italians have never used the internet, while only around half get online weekly, figures released by the EU on Wednesday show.

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Thirty-four percent of Italians have never used the internet, based on European Commission figures of 2013. While this represents a slight improvement on the previous year, when 37 percent admitted to never getting online, the 2013 numbers are still well above the EU average of 20 percent.

Only 56 percent of Italians use the internet weekly, compared to 72 percent of citizens across the EU, the Commission found.

The low internet uptake may have something to do with Italy’s dismally slow connection.

While by the end of last year fixed broadband was available in 99 percent of Italian homes, speeds of at least 30 Mbps were only available in 21 percent of those - around a third of the EU’s 62 percent average.

Ultra-fast internet connection remains but a dream in Italy, with the EU finding speeds of over 100 Mbps still didn’t exist in the country at the end of 2013.

Speaking to Italians in Rome last year, The Local found that poor connection, coupled with the country’s ageing population, were seen as key hindrances to getting the country’s internet use up to EU levels.

READ MORE: 'Italians aren't very interested in technology'

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