As dial up use declines more New Zealanders are becoming dependent on the internet, according to a survey by the Auckland University of Technology.

The NZ World Internet Project survey in which 1200 New Zealanders responded, found that 83% are now using the Internet, up from 79% in 2007. Of those internet users, 82% are broadband subscribers, with dial-up use declining. In addition two-thirds of respondents said the internet is so important, that losing access would cause a problem.

InternetNZ policy director Jordon Carter, whose organisation supports the research, says the survey shows that Internet is “now an established part of most people’s lives, and highlights the importance of free and unfettered access to the Internet.”