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UK consumers 'confused by broadband terminology'
Monday 27th April 2009, by Daniel King
Consumers in the UK are confused about the technology and terminology relating to broadband internet services, a new survey from Virgin Media has found.
The study, which was commissioned by the network and questioned more than 3,000 British web users, revealed two of the areas that were causing the most confusion was speed and security.
It was noted 18 per cent of respondents were unaware what broadband actually is, while seven per cent thought Blu-ray - a high definition home cinema format - was some sort of internet package.
The research showed 40 per cent of people did not know what ADSL refers to and 45 per cent could not explain what a dongle is. In addition, 53 per cent were unaware that there was any other way to get access to broadband other other than having a fixed telephone line.
Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media, said although it was promising to see British people getting online in their droves, there was still a lot of educating to be done.
He added that proposals by the company to open Broadband Schools where people could do this were based on a desire to cut through the jargon and terminology associated with the web.
Virgin chief Sir Richard Branson said he would probably be "a prime candidate" for the Broadband School as he has always struggled with getting used to the latest technology.
"At Virgin Media we want everyone to feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how silly they think they are, so that they can get the most out of their internet service and enjoy everything the internet has to offer," the tycoon added.
The company recently boosted its on demand TV service by announcing it would feature the latest season of US TV show Dexter in high definition.
Categories: Broadband, Virgin Media
