Broadband prices 17% cheaper in 2006
Broadband prices dropped 17 per cent last year, new research from a leading price comparison website shows.
Figures from uSwitch.com reveal despite prices coming down almost a fifth on average, annual costs for standalone broadband can vary by as much as £3,603.
The site is advising consumers to avoid disappointment by doing their research to get the most out of the complex deals offering 'free' broadband and 'bundles' with other services, as well as standalone broadband.
"The broadband market is booming which has led to prices being slashed to an all time low," commented Steve Weller, uSwitch's head of telecommunications.
He added: "Broadband is now the same price, and in some cases cheaper than dial-up, and there is no question of its supremacy in terms of the applications its enables.
"It's easy to get confused with all the different types of products on the market. However, there is something for everyone, whether it's a bundle or a selection of individual products," Mr Weller advised.
"The wealth of 'free' deals that have recently become available on the market means that broadband is affordable, effective and the only viable way to take advantage of the growing expanse of broadband-reliant online content.
"Companies are increasingly 'bundling' together products such as broadband, home phone, mobiles and digital TV to produce cost effective packages which provide customers with comprehensive services," he concluded.
The new research also shows the number of internet users will double in the next three years and more households convert from dial-up to broadband.
The website estimates 80 per cent of households are likely to have an internet connection by 2010, with dial-up users accounting for just 0.5 per cent of those online.
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