Consumers frustrated with connection speeds

By Lauren Dinally

A new survey has revealed that the number of people unhappy with their broadband connection speed has increased by a third this year, leaving 30% of respondents dissatisfied.

Broadband Choices said that the increased access to super-fast broadband had meant people were becoming fed up of slow connection speeds more easily. As a result, 28% had decided to change suppliers for better speeds.

The research also found that three quarters of those who switched to superfast packages were happy with their connection speed. For some consumers, this could suggest that the up-front cost of superfast services is worth the investment in the longer run.

The news will encourage BT and Virgin Media, who are planning to roll out 40MB and 100MB speeds respectively in the near future.

Michael Phillips, product director at Broadband Choices, said:"The steady increase in speed dissatisfaction is indicative that consumers are taking advantage of access to online content that places more demand on their internet connection but as ISPs advertise – and consumers subscribe to - ever faster services, their expectations are failing to be met.

"Service providers need to be careful since our research would show that many customers have had enough and are more willing to express that dissatisfaction by changing suppliers,” he added.