2 million mobile broadband sales in 12 months amid concerns over mobile broadband “not-spots”
Mobile broadband Add commentsOfcom have released data showing that approximately two million new mobile broadband connections were made via dongle or 3G datacard in the year up to February 2009, while mobile data service revenues have increased six fold, from 1% of total revenues in 2003 to 6% in 2008.
As the use of mobile broadband becomes more widespread, there are increasing concerns about the patchy coverage. Indeed at Simplifydigital we hesitate to recommend mobile broadband as the principle broadband solution for residential customers, as the coverage can be so unreliable (and the download limits are often too small).
In response to these concerns, Ofcom has announced plans to tackle the UK’s so called ‘not-spot’ areas of weak 3G mobile broadband coverage. Ofcom state that mobile 3G network coverage is “generally good” in the UK, but has high-lighted certain “problem” areas where availability is poor, particularly in rural regions.
To address the problem, Ofcom has said that it will continue to consult with the government on programmes to free up spectrum for the provision of mobile broadband services and will try to understand the causes behind limited or no coverage areas, including working with relevant public bodies on this issue
In addition it commits to sponsoring new research into increasing mobile broadband speeds; and has launched a 3G mobile broadband coverage mapping service on its website.
The Ofcom report notes the ubiquity of mobile phone ownership in the UK with approximately 85% of the adult population now owning a mobile phone. In turn, this has resulted in a drop in consumer usage of fixed line home phones, with the result that an increasing number of homes now no-longer bother with a fixed home phone line. In 2007 90% of UK homes had a fixed home phone line and this fell to 85% by 2008.
Our view is that it is certainly worth talking to an expert before tying yourself into a mobile broadband contract, which may be up to 24 months long. The service is great for some, but absolutely inappropriate for others. If you want help to compare mobile broadband and home broadband alternatives, do talk to our experts for free on 0800 1388 388.
Written by Charlie
Tags: Mobile broadband
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