Over 90 per cent of people now do some form of shopping online.

More than 93 per cent of people in Britain use online retail to buy goods, which could involve the use of local and international package delivery services.

Research from uSwitch.com found that three-quarters of those who do their shopping over the internet spend at least two hours a week doing so.

Jason Glynn, communications specialist at the website, said the results are indicative of how central the internet has become to the lives of British people.

"The research shows the huge impact that the internet is having on British life. Broadband is rapidly becoming a necessity - as important to our quality of life as gas or electricity," he stated.

In addition, 82 per cent of people manage their personal finances online, with more than a quarter spending between one and two hours a week banking online.

Meanwhile, Paul Ridden, from Gizmag, recently claimed that internet shopping is a marvel of the modern age, saying that the convenience and price savings make it especially attractive.

Written by Laura Rathbone

Article Added: 02/10/2009 16:58:23