United Kingdom Internet Users
Individuals using the Internet IT.NET.USER.ZS
United Kingdom's internet users was 98.84% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 2.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's internet users stood at 98.84% in 2025, a rise of +2.55% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.84% by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 28th globally.
The United Kingdom’s share of internet users rose from a negligible 0.09 percent in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 98.84 percent in 2025, placing the country 28th globally and narrowly below Luxembourg’s 99.08 percent and China’s 98.70 percent. Over the 35‑year span, the expansion reflects the diffusion of broadband infrastructure, the liberalisation of telecommunications markets in the early 2000s, and the rapid adoption of smartphones and digital services during the 2010s. The steepest gains occurred between 2005 and 2015, when household broadband penetration accelerated from roughly 70 percent to over 90 percent, driven by government initiatives such as the Digital Britain programme. Despite the near‑universal coverage, the remaining fraction of the population without internet access is concentrated among low‑income households, rural areas, and older adults, suggesting that targeted affordability and digital‑skill interventions could push the United Kingdom marginally above the 99 percent threshold in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Internet Users | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 99.75% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.84% | +2.55% | #28 |
| 2023 | 96.30% | −0.00% | #19 |
| 2022 | 96.30% | +0.10% | #18 |
| 2021 | 96.20% | +1.38% | #17 |
| 2020 | 94.82% | +2.30% | #14 |
| 2019 | 92.52% | +1.82% | #18 |
| 2018 | 90.69% | +0.27% | #15 |
| 2017 | 90.42% | −4.35% | #22 |
| 2016 | 94.78% | +2.78% | #11 |
| 2015 | 92.00% | +0.39% | #11 |
| 2014 | 91.61% | +1.77% | #11 |
| 2013 | 89.84% | +2.36% | #13 |
| 2012 | 87.48% | +2.10% | #11 |
| 2011 | 85.38% | +0.38% | #9 |
| 2010 | 85.00% | +1.44% | #8 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw internet users improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's internet users was 98.84% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 2.6% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's internet users peaked at 98.84% in 2025.
The lowest internet users in United Kingdom was 0.09% in 1990.
United Kingdom ranks 28th globally in internet users as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.NET.USER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's internet users is projected to reach 98.84% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The internet users of United Kingdom in 2025 was 98.84%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_internet-users,
title = {United Kingdom Internet Users},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/internet-users/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}