Broadband News

Mobile Broadband Set to Boom

(21-06-07) - UK mobile broadband services are about to see massive growth according to the latest research.

The survey, conducted by YouGov and Point Topic, predicts that internet-on-the-go services through mobile phones - many of which are now wireless (WiFi) enabled - is set to increase rapidly as more companies introduce free internet usage allowances.

YouGov and Point Topic found that 90 per cent of people with broadband access at home already own a mobile phone, and half own a laptop - many of which are used to access the internet at WiFi hotspots or through GPRS.

Sending emails was cited as the most popular use of mobile internet, with 38 per cent of respondents already using it, while checking for traffic updates came in second.

The survey also found that around half of respondents were interested in mobile broadband and would be willing to pay up to £15 for it.

However, 37 per cent said that the cost of sending and receiving data was the biggest drawback to mobile broadband, while only two per cent cited security as an issue.

Chris Eagle, BroadbandChoices.co.uk communication manager, said: “As the cost of mobile broadband comes down, and more people have broadband allowances included in their monthly contracts, we’ll definitely see an increase in users.

“Accessing the internet on the go means you can check traffic updates, maps and cinema times, as well as sending emails, all on your way home from work - which is great - but users should be careful of completely unsecured WiFi access for security reasons.”

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