UK broadband prices lowest around, Ofcom report finds

While you might think you are paying through the nose for your home broadband connection, a new Ofcom report has found that UK consumers have access to the lowest broadband prices around.

Based on typical household profiles of broadband, landline and mobile rates, Ofcom has reported that the UK tops a chart of the most affordable broadband prices of all leading countries, with fixed deals accounting for a lower proportion of monthly living costs

With the UK leading the way, Italian and French nationals were offered the next most affordable broadband and communications packages.

“The report confirms that consumers in the UK are benefiting from one of the world’s most price competitive marketplaces for communications services,” James Thickett, Ofcom’s Director of Research said.

“Telecoms bills have been falling in real terms in the UK for the past ten years. However, consumers are not just benefiting from cheaper deals – they are also getting much more for less, as the quality and range of telecoms services has expanded hugely in that time.”

While broadband and telecoms fees in the UK are amongst the lowest, it has been suggested that subscription TV costs are significantly higher. With a monthly premium TV package said to add £66 to UK residents’ living costs, those in Germany are required to fork out on average of just £27.

Although UK consumers are said to have access to the lowest price broadband deals around, it has been suggested that as a nation we are not making the post of these deals.

“Ofcom’s analysis highlights that the UK is leading the way with the lowest prices available for fixed broadband services, but it is important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean UK customers are actually paying the lowest prices in Europe,” Dominic Baliszewski, a telecoms expert with Broadband Choices said.

“Our own analysis has highlighted time and time again that a high proportion of customers do not actually switch broadband regularly enough to benefit from better pricing.”

He added: “Switching levels for fixed broadband are woefully low when compared with energy or insurance services. Many customers are stuck on outdated and overpriced ‘legacy tariffs’ because of barriers to switching including perceived hassle, not believing they will find a better deal elsewhere, or fear of being left without a connection during the switching process.

“It has become far easier to switch broadband suppliers in recent years but consumer perception has yet to catch up – until it does, millions of households across the UK will remain trapped on costly packages that are completely unsuitable for their evolving needs.”

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