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Consumers 'prefer fixed line to mobile broadband'

Posted 9th October 2009 at 4:17pm by Kimberley Howson

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Fixed line broadband is more popular with consumers than mobile broadband, it has been claimed

Consumers in the UK are increasingly turning to fixed-line broadband rather than mobile services, according to the Chief Executive of TalkTalk's parent company.

Charles Dunstone of the Carphone Warehouse claimed that mobile broadband "has peaked" in terms of popularity, as people realise they can enjoy generally stronger bandwidth through a fixed line and free Wi-Fi services become widespread.

However, in an interview with the Guardian, he added that there does remain a market for mobile broadband dongles.

"Mobile broadband is increasingly a supplementary rather than a substitutional thing, and an increasing proportion of Carphone sales are of pre-pay dongles. I carry one around with me," he explained.

Mr Dunstone's comments come after research by the International Telecommunication Union suggested global mobile broadband penetration will soon exceed fixed-line internet services.

Mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to top 600 million by the end of this year.

More news on: Customer service and satisfaction, Broadband speeds, Mobile broadband, Broadband coverage, ADSL broadband

3 comments

  • 1

    Lewis, 9th October 2009.

    Dongles were always meant to be supplemantary to your home broadband service. That's the whole idea.

    Reply
  • 2

    Danno, 9th October 2009.

    @Lewis: Yeah, but dongles should still work. You're paying for a service, after all. The speeds that some people report getting are rubbish.

    Reply
  • 3

    Eddie, 11th October 2009.

    @Danno - I'm looking to go mobile as apposed to fixed line(orange free broadband) How do I know what speed i'm getting at home and more importantly how do i determine how much usage i am making of the service. i do a bit of email, SURF the web daily for things to buy, ect. look at football results (little one) surf sites with music videos ect. Dont download music or films.

    How do i know if i need 1, 2, 10 meg? per month

    Reply

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