Attitudes to Wireless Broadband in the UK

A recent survey has shown that many broadband users are missing out on the full potential of their internet because of common misconceptions according to a recent survey (BroadbandChoices.co.uk, 2007).

Unaware of the ease in getting a wireless broadband (WiFi) router, more than a quarter of UK subscribers think that they cannot go wireless because their provider doesnt offer this kind of package. In actual fact, there is no such thing as a wireless package where a different kind of broadband is piped into someones home all thats needed is a WiFi router. Once it is plugged into the modem, the wireless signal will be emitted and users can surf the internet cable-free.

This relatively common misconception shows that customers are overly reliant on their internet providers for both information and hardware, not knowing that it is relatively cheap and easy to buy and set up their own wireless routers and home networks.

It is misapprehensions such as this that are stopping broadband users from getting the most out of their internet packages or from becoming less dependent on their providers.

A further 44 per cent of respondents blamed their fear of the technicalities involved in setting up a WiFi connection, but again, this is unjustified since ISPs can send out pre-configured routers that users just plug in and connect. Again, this dependency leaves consumers less likely to switch provider a move that can save them a lot of money and even get them a free wireless router.

31 per cent said that they were worried about their personal details such as bank account numbers being at risk.

On a positive note however, 88 per cent of those currently without a wireless connection were planning on getting it in the coming year, proving that they had not been scared off by groundless reports in the media that WiFi poses a health risk cited by only four per cent as the reason that they did not have it.

Asked what they thought of their wireless connections, some reported connection problems but the majority of users said that they loved the ease of use, flexibility and lack of wires. One respondent said: Its great to sit in the garden and enjoy the sun and surf, while another added: I can sit downstairs watching the horse racing on the TV, and while sitting on the sofa, having a cup of tea, effortlessly place a bet using my laptop.

James Bergin is a journalist that writes for BroadbandChoices.co.uk on issues such as wireless broadband.

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