UK rises as US falls in global tech rankings

The UK has risen dramatically in the global league table of 'wired' countries according to the latest rankings from the IDC Information Society Index.

Trailing badly in 12th place last year, the proliferation of PCs and mobile phones with net access has pushed the UK up the league during the last 12 months. The UK is now only trailing Denmark, the US, Finland, Norway and top ranking country, Sweden.

The annual IDC/World Times rankings measure the ability of each country to access and absorb information technology based on four categories: computer, information, internet and social, capturing a snapshot of the 'digital divide' within each nation.

The Labour Party will welcome the news on the eve of the general election. In April two separate surveys savaged the government's reputation on e-government implementation and broadband rollout.

The surprise loser in this year's Information Society Index was the US, slipping down two places to fourth. IDC analyst Ludovica Bruno admitted the US fall was surprising, but pointed out there is no direct correlation between the manufacture of technology and its use.

"The United States must work on bringing technology to the 'have-nots', not just the 'haves' and provide all with the opportunity to prosper in the global economy," Bruno said.

The top ten were (including last year's placing):

1. Sweden (1)
2. Norway (4)
3. Finland (3)
4. United States (2)
5. Denmark (5)
6. United Kingdom (12)
7. Switzerland (8)
8. Australia (9)
9. Singapore (11)
10. Netherlands (7)