This report is the third in a series of Mintel Internet Quarterly reports, the aim of which is to monitor changes in technology ownership, Internet access and usage. As a result of the constantly changing nature of the e-commerce environment, Mintel believes that it is particularly important that these changes are tracked on an ongoing basis so as to identify key growth areas and highlight the very latest trends. The events of 11 September and their impact on Internet usage are highlighted within this report, along with the impact of online Christmas shopping which will clearly have an influence on the findings during the September to November research period covered. This third report therefore represents the very latest data set which allows for the comparison of data with the research conducted in May, August and November 2001 and will then continue to be updated on a three-monthly cycle.

This report is the third in a series of Mintel Internet Quarterly reports, the aim of which is to monitor changes in technology ownership, Internet access and usage. As a result of the constantly changing nature of the e-commerce environment, Mintel believes that it is particularly important that these changes are tracked on an ongoing basis so as to identify key growth areas and highlight the very latest trends. The events of 11 September and their impact on Internet usage are highlighted within this report, along with the impact of online Christmas shopping which will clearly have an influence on the findings during the September to November research period covered. This third report therefore represents the very latest data set which allows for the comparison of data with the research conducted in May, August and November 2001 and will then continue to be updated on a three-monthly cycle.

The platforms for enabling Internet access are constantly evolving and it is therefore important to monitor the levels of uptake and profile the early adopters of the new technologies that are coming on-stream. Technology ownership levels are therefore examined, along with an assessment of the key consumer profiles.

In addition, Mintel identifies the actual reasons for Internet usage by examining the extent to which respondents use the Internet to browse purely for information, browse with the intention of buying and actual online purchasing. Key comparisons are then made across all the major online product sectors. Further information relating to frequency of online purchasing, types of ISPs and Internet browsers used and trend data on Internet penetration levels are also covered.

The report also looks at what Internet users believe are the most important considerations when purchasing online. This will give an insight as to the levels of importance that users give to a variety of factors that are likely to affect the decision to purchase online.

Other relevant Mintel reports include:

- Travel Online, Mintel Internet Series, April 2001

- Life Assurance and Pensions E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, April 2001

- Entertainment and Tickets E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, March 2001

- Software E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, March 2001

- Clothing E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, January 2001

- Online Loans/Mortgages, Mintel Internet Series, January 2001

- Gambling and Gaming, Mintel Internet Series, December 2000

- Online General Insurance, Mintel Internet Series, December 2000

- Grocery e-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, November 2000

- Money Transmission, Mintel Internet Series, November 2000

- Online Auction Sites, Mintel Internet Series, October 2000

- Online Investments, Mintel Internet Series, October 2000

- Books E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, September 2000

- Music E-tailing, Mintel Internet Series, September 2000.