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Survey reveals SME broadband use

Published On 3 April 2007 at 15:47:08

The UK's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are leading the way when it comes to uptake of broadband internet connections, a new report suggests.

According to Ofcom's latest Digital Progress Report, over 80 per cent of the UK's SMEs had at least one computer by 2006 and broadband connections accounted for 62 per cent of all SME internet usage.

Larger SMEs (those with between 50 and 200 employees) were even more likely to use broadband connections - with only 30 per cent not using this sort of service.

The survey also provided information about where businesses get their broadband services. More than a third of SMEs (38 per cent) used a broadband connection provided by BT. Other popular providers included Virgin Mobile (eight per cent), AOL (seven per cent) and Orange/Wanadoo (six per cent).

However, SMEs revealed that they were prepared to switch provider if they were unhappy with their broadband services. Nearly one in three (27 per cent) small businesses said they had changed provider in the past and 11 per cent have done so in the last year.

"We have reached a very significant milestone in the development of broadband Britain," said Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards.

Mr Richards added that consumers and businesses "are responding positively to the competition and innovation that the UK market now offers".

 

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