broadband news

Credit crunch making Brits wary of broadband contracts

More and more Brits are switching suppliers for their basic services - including broadband - as the credit crunch encroaches further into their lives, a study has found.

Fear of being tied into a financial commitment during the economic crisis has led to many people ditching or switching their broadband contracts, with worried customers expressing concerns over the cost and length and their broadband commitments.

The survey, carried out by broadband provider AOL, showed that 59 per cent of UK customers switched suppliers for broadband or other services, such as mobile phones, gas and electric in the last 12 months.

47 per cent of people AOL asked said they were concerned that, with the credit crunch casting an ever growing shadow over their lives, contracts made them feel trapped. And with cash-strapped Brits tightening their belts, a costly broadband commitment is the last thing anyone wants.

As a result, 47 per cent of respondents said they had spent time looking for shorter and cheaper broadband contracts, with 79 per cent adding that they would opt for a no-contract service (like pay as you go mobile broadband) over a contract one in future.

"This research shows that we are now far more wary about entering into any long term contracts," said David Pagliari, Executive Director of AOL Broadband, "The message is that consumers now expect the flexibility to choose whether they sign up to a contract for their services or not."

23/09/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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