UK News
Insights from the UK and beyond
Is Britain being too slow in promoting broadband?
A new report from Ofcom, reveals that more than 30 percent of homes in Britain don’t have basic broadband service.
The study will become part of the government’s Digital Britain report, which is intended to help keep the UK economically and culturally competitive by promoting broadband access.
“We hope the research will help assist an informed debate on the options available to society to help ensure that the social and economic benefits of the Internet are spread as widely as possible,” the media regulator said in a statement.
“The inclusion of everyone into the digital world has emerged as an important principle in our society.”
The research identified three main groups:
- Those intending to get the internet in the next six months: Two in 10 people currently without the internet said they were likely to get connected in the next six months. They are more likely to be younger, regular internet users outside of the home who are working and have children.
- The self-excluded: 42 percent state lack of interest or need as their main reason for not wanting to take up the internet. The self-excluded tend to be older and retired and 61 percent have never used a computer. This group shares a sense of indifference, with many struggling to come up with any reasons why they should have the internet at home.
Cutting back on household bills
The energy regulator has said that it is considering a ban on unjustified price differences in the energy market to address concerns that customers are being charged differing amounts according to their payment methods.
Ofgem also said that it was planning measures that will improve customer service, including simplified information about tariffs to help people decide whether they need to switch supplier.
All of which could lead to cheaper bills for energy customers. But until this happens, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your household bills.
The website 0870buster.com, which has only just launched this week, will help you to cut down on your phone bill. The site is a free telephone directory that provides alternative numbers for companies at a standard rate instead of the usual premium rate numbers.
Switching your gas and electricity suppliers, meanwhile, can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Thisismoney.co.uk will help you work out how much you could save a year by switching to a cheaper supplier. The results will be more accurate if you have a bill to hand, but you can still use it if you do not.
The site, with the help of energyhelpline.com, will also help you to make the switch once you are ready.
Unravelit.com helps you to save money on household and personal bills by allowing you to compare prices on numerous products, including gas and electricity, insurance, phone bills, credit cards, broadband and loans. It also offers information about switching for business owners.
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The Wall
Let’s face it. The monthly cost is a rip off. There are parts of London where one can’t get wireless access and places in rural Britain where one can. Figure that one out.