The British Public's Love-hate Relationship With Broadband

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 13, 2009 – While we may be complaining about our connections more than ever, us Brits are signing up for both fixed-line and mobile broadband services in record numbers. So what gives with this love-hate relationship with broadband.

Ofcom's Communications Market Report last week highlighted consumer satisfaction with fixed-line broadband speeds has dropped from 90 per cent to 81 per cent, while mobile broadband has a lower overall satisfaction rating (83 per cent) than any other telecoms medium analysed by the regulator.

According to Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling, it's the same as so many troubled relationships – both sides should take some responsibility for the problems, and work on their communication skills.

He said: “As is so often the case, there was a lot of bravado from the internet service providers as they tried to woo consumers – now we're a little further down the line, the public are starting to realise some of those promises are a little far fetched. The relationship has settled into a pattern, the industry has got comfortable, and the public is starting to question its commitment to its promises.

“However, this doesn't mean we don't love broadband – we want the relationship to work but shouldn't expect the earth. Mobile broadband companies are now being more realistic about its capabilities, often promoting their services as complimentary to fixed-line rather than as a replacement, while fixed-line is now upping its game – more and more people can receive broadband of 10Mb plus, thanks to Virgin Media's cable network and the expansion of LLU technology into BT exchanges (allowing ADSL2+ speeds of up to 24Mb).”

Ofcom's report also revealed around 12 per cent of the population now has mobile broadband (around three million homes), with more than 250,000 sales in May 2009 alone, and there are 17.3 million fixed-line connections in the UK (up 10.7 per cent) – that's 65 per cent of the population covered (up 7 per cent).

Marling concluded: “According to Ofcom, people are more likely to cut back on meals and nights out than the internet: only spend on toiletries and groceries are more secure. So, while we may have been going through a rocky patch, the foundations of our relationship with broadband are still strong. For all your broadband counselling needs, visit Broadband Genie and check out our extensive guides, forums and reviews.”

ENDS