People in the UK believe that the recession has forced broadband providers to offer better deals, according to new research from the industry regulator.

Ofcom's annual study has found that more than four-fifths (88 per cent) surveyed claimed that at least one provider was offering better deals that a year ago.

In addition to getting more value for money, people are using broadband more to exchange more data.

The research found that the amount of data volumes over the UK's internet infrastructure increased by more than two-thirds (68 per cent) on 2008.

While more people are using the internet to exchange data, there are still marked divides based on age and location.

The increase could be attributed to higher broadband speeds.

Average speed rose from 4.1Mbit/s in April 2009, to 5.2Mbit/s in May 2010.

However, the gap between actual and advertised speed grew in the same period of time.

The rise to 5.2Mbit/s only represented just under half (46 per cent) of the average 'up to' advertised speed.

Mobile broadband use grew among the younger age group.

There was an eight per cent increase in uptake among 15 to 24-year-olds – more than double the increase in uptake from 35 to 54-year-olds (three per cent).

Regional divisions were also apparent, with consumers living in rural areas more likely to be affected by slower speeds.


Households in rural areas were least likely to take up discounted bundles, and in some instances fixed line uptake was higher.


 

Categories: Broadband

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