Broadband users spend 33 days a year online

With dial-up in terminal decline and broadband now present in 13 million homes, the nation’s love affair with the internet is flourishing.

The latest findings from leading price comparison and switching site, uSwitch.com, reveal the average UK broadband user spends the equivalent of 33 days – or almost five weeks – in every year using the internet. In other words, we are devoting over 15 hours a week to exploring cyber space.

However, when it comes to paying for broadband, consumers are not so savvy. Despite having one of the most competitive markets in Europe, nearly 10 million broadband users are overpaying for their service and collectively wasting up to £621 million a year. Not switching supplier when fixed contracts come to an end is costing customers over £13 million, and, while the choice of broadband deals available is greater than ever before, 73% of people haven’t switched despite their contract coming to an end.

Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at uSwitch.com, comments: “It’s very exciting to see Britain taking broadband by the scruff of the neck and making full use of the online world in today’s demanding 24/7 environment. The uptake of broadband over the past year has been nothing short of explosive and this will certainly continue, especially with the constant innovation in the market.

“Speeds have virtually doubled year on year since 2002, when the 1.4 million people on broadband were lucky to be getting 1Mb. Now, 93% of broadband users enjoy a speed of

2Mb as standard. Faster speeds mean people can perform the same task in much less time, so broadband is effectively giving people their life back.

“We are dismayed at the amount that people are overpaying for this privilege though, especially since the average price of broadband has halved over the last five years. NTL, for example, was charging nearly £35 for a 1Mb service back in 2002, but is now offering up to 2Mb broadband for £17.99. Despite this, three out of four people are over-paying for their service, collectively wasting up to £621 million per year.”

Weller concludes: “With 13 million people now connected to broadband and this figure set to rise, the internet has become a way of life, enabling people to multitask, have fun and generally ‘get things done’. It’s up to consumers to now make sure that they are getting the best deal possible for this lifestyle essential.”