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Broadband a ‘critical utility’ in times of economic uncertainty

Once perceived as a luxury asset in the home, broadband is now considered a money-saving necessity.

Broadband access makes considerable financial, as well as social, sense according to a recent survey from the Post Office.

The research, reported by the BBC online, stated an average household could make annual savings of £840 simply by shopping through broadband. The savings spanned a range of retail areas including utility bills, clothing, travel and home entertainment. With consumers able to thoroughly research their outgoings through broadband, and secure increasingly competitive deals, it is now seen as a valuable facility.

However, recent research from regulator Ofcom found 42% of the UK population are still not connected to broadband, which leaves them in a detrimental financial position.

Martin Moran, head of telecoms at the Post Office, believes people are missing out.

"Many have the false impression that broadband is a luxury item but we are seeing how increasingly it is actually a money-saving utility - critical in times of economic uncertainty," he said.

The Government has recently made steps to tackle the broadband access issue by appointing Paul Murphy as the first ever digital inclusion cabinet minister at the beginning of 2008. Mr Murphy and his deputy Wayne David are working on a strategy to encourage UK residents, who are not yet connected to broadband, to see the potential of the online world.

16/12/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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