Broadband Mad Brits Happy to Pay More for a Superfast Service

CAMBRIDGE, England, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Despite the recession the majority of us would be willing to pay more for faster broadband speeds, according to Broadbandgenie.co.uk. The problem is many of those that want faster speeds simply can't get them.

In our latest poll, 30 per cent of Broadband Genie visitors said they were 'definitely' willing to pay more for faster broadband. A further 10 per cent would be willing to pay a little extra (up to £10), while another 20 per cent were undecided. Less than 40 per cent ruled it out.

Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling commented: "The people that really want superfast fibre broadband are the millions who live in less profitable areas ignored by BT and Virgin Media alike. Businesses and households in these areas need a good broadband service and, more importantly, are willing to pay for it. A short term hit to their profits would lead to a lot of long-term happy customers.

"Those lucky enough to live in big towns and cities, the broadband 'haves', already enjoy 'up to' 24Mb (or more if they have cable) for the price the rest of us pay for a far inferior service. Most current broadband speed problems are solved at 'up to' 20Mb or more - it's the rest of us still suffering on 'up to' 8Mb exchanges that are crying out for better broadband. These figures show a great desire to bring these services out of the dark ages and across the digital divide."

Analyst Point Topic recently suggested there will be a low take up of superfast broadband, while BT has faced problems with the rollout of its fibre-optic technology. But our survey of more than 1,000 site visitors shows a strong desire for speedier broadband among the British public.

The Broadband Genie survey asked more than 1,000 Broadbandgenie.co.uk visitors: 'Are you currently willing to pay more for faster broadband?' Definitely 30%; Up to £10 more 10%; maybe 16%; no, but in future 7%; no 37%.

Notes to Editors

1. Broadband Genie is the UK's leading independent broadband, mobile broadband and smartphone comparison website, providing consumers with an unbiased source of information on prices and contracts and allowing them to compare providers in an independent environment. Broadband Genie was launched in March 2004 as the first dedicated consumer comparison site for broadband, while Mobile Broadband Genie was the first independent mobile broadband comparison site, launched in October 2007. The sites were combined in 2010, with the addition of smartphone comparison. The site is one of the most popular in its field, regularly featuring in the national press. http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk

2. All queries and interview requests should be directed to Chris Marling at Broadband Genie: chris.marling@genieventures.co.uk