Consumers Want Mobile Broadband Freebies More than Fast Speeds or Low Prices

Jan. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- When asked, 'What would most affect your mobile broadband purchase' more than 30 per cent of those responding answered 'added extras'. Of more than 1,100 respondents, around a quarter opted for fast speeds, while just a fifth chose lower prices as the number one reason for their choice.

While this should come as no surprise, after the huge success of so-called 'free laptops’ deals and a growing number of free dongle offers, it could set alarm bells ringing for mobile broadband suppliers. The UK already enjoys very cheap tariffs compared to our European neighbours, but competition to add value looks set to continue in a highly competitive market.

Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling said: “These results are very interesting and may surprise, and frustrate, the UK's mobile broadband suppliers. The desire for added extras is a hangover from the mobile companies' insistence on giving away everything from free handsets to games consoles with mobile phone tariffs - consumers know dongles come from the same firms, and want more freebies.

“There has been resistance to continuing laptop deals from some mobile broadband suppliers, but the demand for them is still high. We have also seen Orange adding value with a high performance antenna and microSD card, while 3 has a MiFi deal which includes a bundled iPod Touch on a two-year contract for an extra £6 per week. More and more, deals are beginning to mirror those in the mobile phone arena.

“As for speed, it seems like the one thing the mobile broadband internet suppliers can't provide. As fast as they improve their networks and add base stations, we're signing up to mobile broadband and smartphone deals, using up all the bandwidth. Here at Broadband Genie, we say 4G can't come soon enough!”

For the complete results, visit: http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/articles/what-would-most-...

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About Broadband Genie:
Broadband Genie is the UK's leading independent broadband and mobile broadband comparison website, providing consumers with an unbiased source of information on broadband prices and contracts and allowing them to compare broadband providers in an independent environment. Broadband Genie was launched in March 2004 as the first dedicated consumer comparison site for broadband, while Mobile Broadband Genie was the first independent mobile broadband comparison site, launched in October 2007. Both sites are among the most popular sites in their respective fields, and regularly feature in the national press. http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk / http://mobile.broadbandgenie.co.uk

All queries and interview requests should be directed to Chris Marling at Broadband Genie: t 0844 415 5531 / f 0871 6618553 / m 07908 327303 / chris.marling@genieventures.co.uk