Partner Article

Top 10 Alternatives to Switching Broadband Provider

New research commissioned by Relish, London’s wireless broadband provider, today lays bare the extreme lengths Brits would be willing to go to if it meant they could avoid the hassle of changing their broadband provider.

Recent regulation changes by Ofcom have made it easier than ever for consumers to switch their broadband supplier. However, although figures show that almost 6.5 million Brits struggle with unreliable broadband connections, just 15% of those planning to switch suppliers this year are doing so in response to the regulatory changes.

Relish’s polling – conducted among 2,000 18+ consumers – found that, such is the perceived “aggravation factor”, people would rather ‘go on a diet’ or ‘put up with increased monthly fees’ if it meant they could avoid speaking to call centres and supervising installation visits. A desperate minority even felt that ‘ending a relationship’ would be preferable to changing their broadband provider.

Relish - which offers unlimited broadband in central London, without the need for a landline – found that the top 10 things people would rather do than change their broadband provider were:

1. Go on a diet

2. Pay increased broadband fees

3. Give up chocolate

4. Take to social media to complain

5. Suffer in silence and put up with poor service

6. Have a drastic haircut

7. End a relationship with a partner

8. Give a presentation at work

9. Stay late at work

10. Carry out online tasks while at work

Unsurprisingly, as the capital suffers some of the worst broadband speeds in Europe, Londoners are almost twice as likely to choose dieting as a preferable option to changing their broadband provider than the rest of the UK. And one in 40 respondents was so exasperated that they said they would resort to cutting off their own arm if it meant they could avoid changing their broadband provider.

Will Harnden, Relish’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Although our research is light-hearted, it highlights a serious issue for consumers. Many broadband providers lock people into long contracts with impenetrable small print, and make customers wait weeks and weeks for sub-standard services to be connected. It’s hardly surprising that consumers are so hesitant when it comes to switching providers and looking for a better deal or a more reliable connection.

“The Ofcom changes ought to be a positive step forward for the broadband industry, giving consumers more freedom to search out the best deals possible. They don’t have to suffer in silence any more.”

About Relish

Relish is a new communications provider for Central London. We know London’s people and businesses are always busy and on the move, so our services help them get online quickly and easily, without any hassle.

Our exclusive 4G and wireless networks mean that you can get online without needing to wait for a broadband installation guy, long contracts or unwanted landlines.

From our home and business broadband services through to our Dedicated Business Internet, if you’re in need of fast internet without the kerfuffle, we’ve got you covered. Plus our Pocket Hub puts a Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket when you’re out and about

Relish. Broadband without the wires.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Relish .