Broadband users want better quality

Web users are prepared to cough up more cash in return for an improved broadband internet service, new research claims.

According to Network Equipment Technologies (Net.com), 69 per cent of broadband users are not satisfied with their current broadband connection.

Four-fifths of broadband users want a service that provides a minimum bandwidth performance level, with 68 per cent prepared to pay a premium for a guaranteed quality of service.

One fifth of broadband users would pay a 20 per cent premium over their current broadband fees, with secure links (92 per cent), internet telephony (92 per cent), video streaming (42 per cent), and video conferencing (33 per cent) cited as their main interests.

Steve Shaw, director of industry relations for Net.com, said: "Customers have become increasingly sophisticated in their use of the internet, and new business and entertainment applications are straining the internet to its limits."

"This survey shows that customers are willing to pay a premium for service level guarantees that let them use their broadband connections to stream audio or video, use IP telephony services or work from home," added Shaw.