Oftel PUBLISHES RESEARCH ON RESIDENTIAL TELECOMS MARKET

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Date: 7 August 2000

A new survey of consumers’ views on n fixed telephony, mobile telephony, Internet and digital television has been published today by Oftel.

The results show that consumers continue to make use of choices available, and are interested in new high speed services such as fast Internet access that new technology will offer.

Today’s survey is the first in series of quarterly reports on the residential telecoms market. The results of this and other research is used by Oftel when making policy decisions to meet its goal of achieving the best deal for consumers.

The surveys are also an additional source of information for consumer groups and other stakeholders when considering market developments.

Key findings of the research are:

• 25 per cent of home (6 million homes) are now connected to the Internet. At least 22 per cent of the population (14 million people) are using the Internet at home.
• 34 per cent of Internet users now use more than one Internet service provider.
• While overall awareness of ADSL was low, 40 per cent of consumers expressed an interest in ADSL services, notably faster Internet access.
• Five per cent of UK households now use mobiles instead of fixed phones;
• While overall awareness of ADSL was low, 40 per cent of consumers expressed an interest in ADSL services, notably faster Internet access.
• 34 per cent of Internet users now use more than one Internet service provider.
• Only 18 per cent of consumers feel that companies are providing enough information for them to find the best deal.

Chris Kenny, Director of Regulatory Policy said today:

"Achieving the best deal for consumers is central to Oftel’s strategy. This research into consumer behaviour will help us to ensure that we are implementing our strategy effectively.

"Although competition is increasing it is important that consumers have the information necessary to help them choose the best possible deal.

"This new research programme - and the initial findings from it - will help us focus our attention on areas where consumers would benefit from more information."

A parallel quarterly survey of small businesses will provide a picture of the business market. The first set of results is expected early in the autumn.

Notes to editors

1. Consumer Awareness, Usage and Attitudes towards Telecoms, Consumers’ Use of Fixed Telecoms Services, Consumers’ Use of Mobile Telephony and Consumers’ Use of Internet are available to the press from Oftel’s press office, tel: 020 7634 8991 and on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/cmu/research/1999.htm.
2. These reports provide an overview of the key findings from Oftel’s Residential Consumer Survey (Q1 June 2000) conducted by MORI. The survey interviewed a representative sample of 2070 adults in the UK, reflecting the UK profile of age, sex, social grade, region and employment status.

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