Broadband costs hit e-tail growth

Expensive broadband Internet connections are preventing rapid growth in Net shopping, according to researcher Verdict.

Verdict predicts that it will not be until late 2004 that broadband goes mass market and spurs further growth.

Verdict on Electronic Shopping 2003 says the most valuable group is those aged 35 to 44, who spend£1 billion - 30 per cent of UK Net sales. Convenience is key for this group, meaning e-tailers must focus on fast and efficient delivery.