Released on: January 3, 2008, 6:58 am

Press Release Author: Ascent PR

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: - One in four people are looking to switch broadband provider
in 2008
- People can't be bothered with switching and long term contracts
- Switching broadband provider could save you £141.60


Press Release Body: Now that Christmas is over and purses are empty it's time to be
looking at ways to save money in 2008. Switching broadband provider could be just
the ticket to saving the pennies, and a New Year resolution to actually stick to.

BroadbandChoices.co.uk today reveals that consumers believe they are paying too much
for their broadband each month. 69 per cent of respondents surveyed said they would
change broadband supplier if they were offered a cheaper package and 51 per cent
would move to a supplier that could offer them faster connection speeds, according
to ICM research commissioned by BroadbandChoices.co.uk .

Worryingly the research highlighted that a significant number of consumers could be
wasting money because they won't switch for the following reasons:
- 29 per cent can't be bothered to switch
- 43 per cent were worried about getting tied into a lengthy contract; and
- 35 per cent were mistakenly convinced they wouldn't get the same level of deal or
package elsewhere.

BroadbandChoices.co.uk has calculated that a user could potentially save up to
£141.60 a year by changing their broadband supplier.

Michael Phillips, product development director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk comments,
"It seems that consumers are still baffled by the broadband minefield. Switching
broadband provider can potentially get you a faster Internet connection, better
service and it can save you money. Moreover, if consumers shop around, it needn't
mean entering into a punitive long-term contract. Consumers should act now in order
to get the best deal for 2008."

"If you are only checking emails and surfing the web for example, then it is best to
switch to a 'light user' package, since you will only be using a couple of gigabytes
of data in a month. A lower cost package like PlusNet Option 1 would be perfectly
adequate.

Switching for Customer Service

Customer satisfaction figures make worrying reading for broadband providers: Ofcom
has found that levels of satisfaction with broadband suppliers have dropped from 92
per cent last year to 88 per cent in 2007 . Interestingly, 36 per cent of
respondent's would consider switching for improved customer service. Phillips
states, "PlusNet is an excellent example of an ISP that has award winning customer
service and does not have a contractual tie in."

"Alternatively, customer service levels are also improving at TalkTalk where they
offer the most competitive phone and broadband bundle in the UK. Sky broadband and
digital TV bundle also offers excellent value and has won customer service awards
despite being relatively new to the broadband market."

Notes to editor:

i One in four people are looking to switch broadband provider. (source: Ofcom -
"The Consumer Experience report" November 2007)

ii Annual saving based on an average cost of £16.30 per month for a standalone
broadband package (source: Ofcom - "The Consumer Experience report" November 2007)
switching to Virgin Media Broadband:M at £4.50 per month (see table below).

iii Research conducted in November 2007, 1034 UK adults aged over 18 years were
questioned.

iv Levels of satisfaction with broadband suppliers has dropped from 92 per cent
last year to 88 per cent in 2007 - prompting the desire to switch. (source: Ofcom
- "The Consumer Experience Report" November 2007)

Cheapest UK Broadband Packages: for full table of best buy packages, please email
louise.mapp@ascentpr.co.uk

About BroadbandChoices.co.uk: http://www.BroadbandChoices.co.uk
BroadbandChoices.co.uk is a broadband comparison service in the UK. Unlike other
comparison sites, BroadbandChoices.co.uk doesn't just focus on price but total
package value. Consumers can now refer to this impartial Website to access the
latest broadband advice and deals, to help them make the right choice.

What makes BroadbandChoices.co.uk different:
 Most comprehensive range of consumer guides and advice
 Emphasis on value rather than cost alone
 Variety of ways to rank products according to individual priorities
 Detailed product information
 A community of like minded people where you can read reviews or share your
thoughts
 Up-to-date information regarding key industry developments
 Access to bespoke interactive tools




Web Site: http://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk

Contact Details: For further information contact:

Rachel Lear / Louise Mapp
Ascent PR
T: 0118 988 0501
E: rachel.lear@ascentpr.co.uk

Michael Phillips
BroadbandChoices.co.uk
T: 020 7700 3245
E: michael@broadbandchoices.co.uk