4 August 2008
Carphone Warehouse has cut its target for new broadband customers this year, claiming problems in the housing market and the rising cost of living are likely to dampen take-up. The mobile phone retailer's Chief Executive said any slowdown in consumer spending and house moving would have an impact on the telecoms sector as families look to reduce their outgoings. Instead of winning 400,000 new subscribers by March 2009, the group now hopes to secure between 200,000 and 250,000. Carphone gained 41,000 broadband customers in the three months to the end of June, compared to 126,000 during the same period last year. Roger Taylor, the retailer's Chief Financial Officer, told Reuters: "Undoubtedly, there are a number of households who aren't, at the current moment in time, signing up to a broadband provider." Research from the analyst group Gartner reveals that UK broadband penetration is expected to reach 74 % by 2012, up from 58% at present.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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