Brit web-heads wibble away 50 days per year

BRITISH BROADBAND USERS spend an average of 50 days a year online, according to researchers.

But forty per cent of them are paying too much for the privilege and should shop around a bit a spokesman for Uswitch, which commissioned the survey, said.

Chris Williams, broadband product manager at uSwitch reckons surfers will soon "be able to turn round to their provider and say 'Why should I carry on paying for my Internet connection?'"

"Consumers need to vote with their feet to take advantage of these new deals and ensure they are not wasting money on more expensive packages," he said, noting that some broadband suppliers are bundling an Internet connection for free.

Uswitch just happens to be in the business of getting people to switch suppliers of utilities, however.

Of the 15,323 broadband users questioned, nine out of 10 shop online, 39 per cent download music and 40 per cent listen to online radio.

On average they spent 23 hours a week online, with general surfing the top activity at seven hours 54 minutes.

Online games accounted for four hours 40 minutes, of a wasted week, while emailing takes up three hours 26 minutes of users' time online.

Only one in eight of users have wised up to making phone calls over their net connection, however. µ

L'INQ
www.uswitch.com