By Elliot Wright, 26th January 2010
Over half of British broadband customers are wasting hundreds of
pounds a year by paying for a broadband package that exceeds their
needs, a survey has revealed.
'Unlimited' packages are becoming increasingly popular as
customers seek the freedom to stream and download music and video
to their heart's content, but the figures show that many users are
barely scratching the surface of their download limits.
Research by broadband comparison site Broadbandchoices.co.uk
shows that 53% of internet users with an unlimited usage monthly
download package only download 10GB or less of data per month while
74% use 20GB or less of their allowance - meaning that they are
essentially paying for a service they don't need.
For example BT Broadband's Unlimited package costs £24.99 per
month while the package with a 10GB usage limit costs just £15.99.
So many customers are potentially wasting over £100 a year.
53% of internet users with an unlimited
usage monthly download package only download 10GB or less of data
per month
Broadbandchoices.co.uk is urging people to think realistically
about their needs as a broadband user. Those who only use the
internet to check email and browse sites, and don't stream or
download much media, probably only need a basic service.
Michael Phillips, product director of Broadbandchoices.co.uk
said: "When choosing a broadband package it is easy to become
distracted by flash marketing and words like 'unlimited' or to be
scared by the concept of download penalties. Our survey shows that
the vast majority of broadband users spend less than 2 hours a week
on each activity such as downloading music; watching video clips;
or watching and downloading TV programmes and movies.
"Consumers who pay for a service they are not making full use of
are in effect throwing money down the drain. Broadband customers
should shop around for a deal to suit their usage needs using an
Ofcom accredited price comparison site - those who do could save
themselves £100 a year or more."
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