The chart illustrates the propostion of households with internet access across the thrree income group(low, middle, and high income) in European country betwwen 2007 and 2017.
Overall, internet access increased substantially in all income categories over the period. High-income households consistently recorded the highest levels of connectivity, while low-income households, despite notable growth, remained the least connected. The digital divide between income groups narrowed slightly but did not disappear.
In 2007, internet access stood at only 25% among low-income households, compared with 55% for the middle-income group and a much higher 80% for high-income families. Over the following decade, access rose steadily in each category. By 2011, nearly three-quarters of middle-income households were online, while the figure for high-income households had exceeded 90%. In contrast, fewer than half of low-income households had internet access at that time.
By 2017, internet penetration had become almost universal among high-income households, reaching 99%. Middle-income households also showed a sharp increase to 92%. Although low-income households experienced the largest relative growth, rising to 68%, their access rate still lagged significantly behind the other groups.
In summary, while internet accessibility expanded markedly across all income levels, income remained a key determinant of digital inclusion.