Most of the consumers settle for current service providers despite facing problems

The following are the findings of a survey conducted recently by a reputed website on the consumer impression about the broadband and the service providers. 55% of the users do not want to switch the service provider even though there are problems. 17% did not have any serious complaints. 37% informed that low speed was their main concern. 16.5% felt that the price was high compared to the service. 10% were of the opinion that usage allowance was not enough. 19% said that reliability is not as much as expected and that the service is poor. Mark Jackson, the founder of the website which conducted the survey, informed that more than 33% of the users are not happy with their service providers and want to go for another sooner or later. But they believe that the new generation super fast broadband will put an end to their agonies and that faster and reliable services will then be available. 43% of the consumers remarked that they were forced to pay more for their broadband due to the 2.5% increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by the government. The rate per call and line rental etc also have contributed for rise in price. Ofcom must have better control over the service providers. In coordination with Advertising Standards authority, Ofcom should ensure that the service providers are honest to the users in informing their capabilities and limitations. When the next generation broadband becomes a reality, the service providers will have to compete among themselves with respect to price, coverage and quality of service.