Consumers in the UK are increasingly turning to fixed-line broadband rather than mobile services, according to the Chief Executive of TalkTalk's parent company.

Charles Dunstone of the Carphone Warehouse claimed that mobile broadband "has peaked" in terms of popularity, as people realise they can enjoy generally stronger bandwidth through a fixed line and free Wi-Fi services become widespread.

However, in an interview with the Guardian, he added that there does remain a market for mobile broadband dongles.

"Mobile broadband is increasingly a supplementary rather than a substitutional thing, and an increasing proportion of Carphone sales are of pre-pay dongles. I carry one around with me," he explained.

Mr Dunstone's comments come after research by the International Telecommunication Union suggested global mobile broadband penetration will soon exceed fixed-line internet services.

Mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to top 600 million by the end of this year.