UK broadband lines increased by 322,000 during the third quarter of 2008, reaching almost 17 million lines, new data has shown
The new additions put the total number of UK broadband connections at 16.9 million by the end of September 2008, according to regulator Ofcom’s statistics. And with the help of local loop unbundled (LLU) lines, this figure will have topped the 17 million mark by now.
| “People are reluctant to ditch their broadband |
LLU lines accounted for the fastest growing fixed-line broadband technology, increasing by seven per cent in the third quarter of 2008, and now stand at 5.6 million lines.
LLU technology allows providers like O2 Broadband, Sky Broadband and TalkTalk Broadband to install their own equipment in the local exchange and offer cheap broadband deals, including “free broadband” and “free line rental”.
The popularity of LLU has begun to impact on other types of broadband. BT Broadband’s market share fell slightly for the first time since the beginning of 2008 from 26.5 per cent to 26.4 per cent of the market, though the company itself still has 4.5 million lines.
Overall, other BT based providers – those that use ADSL telephone connections but are not LLU – lost 132,000 lines.
Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “Although times are hard at the moment, people are reluctant to ditch their broadband because of all the benefits it brings.
“As well as helping people keep in touch, the internet is essential in looking for new job opportunities and even saves people money by helping users find the best deals on their shopping, groceries and household amenities.
“If you are struggling to keep up with your broadband bills try switching broadband provider,” he advised. “This could save you as much as £135 and get you a better deal on your broadband”.
