UK homes consider broadband access as essential

Increasing use of broadband internet for entertainment has turned many Brits into addicts to this communication technology, a recent study shows.

In a survey commissioned by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, more than 93 per cent of the the customers who have a home broadband connection, considered it as a ‘must have’ and would not give up broadband before they try other options in case they need to cut spending.

However, they are quite willing to reduce spending on things like satellite TV or holidays or even on newspapers, the study has revealed.

“Broadband internet access has clearly become a priority for those homes that have it.” said Steve Fletcher, the Head of Retail Banking at the Yorkshire Bank.

“The increasing use of broadband for our entertainment – downloading music, viewing film and TV and linking to games consoles, shows a shift in lifestyles generally but is also a possible reflection of cuts in spending on entertainment away from the home.” he added.

The study also shows that 62.2 % of the respondents considered satellite TV as a ‘must have’ for the home while 60.6 % said they would not cut spending on holidays.

According to another survey from Sky News, broadband users in the UK are less bothered by the broadband subscription cost than by the rising costs for food and drink, petrol, and electricity and gas.