11 September 2007
uSwitch has explored the latest series of broadband deals to hit the market in recent months, highlighting value for money, customer service and connection speed.
The online price comparison and switching service's analysis comes 18 months after TalkTalk became the first telecommunications company to launch its 'free' broadband deal in 2006, with 340,000 customers signing up in the first eight weeks of the deal.
For many customers, price is the most important aspect of choosing a broadband service. Indeed, uSwitch reveals that TalkTalk's 'free' broadband is now at a lower price than when it was first launched.
Other deals highlighted include Tiscali's package offering free line rental and weekend calls to UK landlines and ten international destination for £14.99 per month with a £30 set up fee and Virgin Media's Medium 2Mb package costing £15.50 per month after a £25 set up charge.
With the UK spending £31 million on technical support in the last year, service is at the top of the agenda for many consumers. PlusNet came top in terms of customer satisfaction, with 78% of customers satisfied with the service in a recent uSwitch survey conducted by YouGov.
Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at uSwitch.com said: "Consumers are entitled to the best of both worlds and should not have to choose between price and service.
"However, while this remains the case, it's important that not only those on TalkTalk but the seven million home phone and six million broadband customers who are likely to review their existing deal in the next 12 months do their research before entering into a new contract.
"TalkTalk's Chief Executive was famously quoted as saying, 'if in a year's time it [customer service] is still as bad then people will just write us off'. It will be interesting to see how many will."
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