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A recent survey by YouGov has suggested that more than a third of Britons would stop using their landline if their mobile phone had better reception indoors. Already 12% of households in the UK do not have a landline connection, and these latest figures suggest that figure is set to grow.
It could cause problems for the UK's home phone providers and raise opportunities for mobile phone providers to add mobile broadband bundles. Of course, homeowners need to consider their fixed line broadband, but if mobile broadband could reach the same quality, would it be goodbye to fixed landline providers? Mobile signal boosting products are already on the market, and customers could be persuaded to ditch their home calling plans for more mobile minutes.
The trend has already begun to unravel in the United States, where one in four households have become entirely dependent on mobile broadband service. However, until mobile broadband technology becomes more readily available, with better coverage in the UK, better speeds and larger download limits, homeowners are likely to be better off with a bundled package that includes line rental, calls and fixed line broadband.
Additionally the home services market is facing a shake up in the next few months, with better deals for customers who bundle together their phone, broadband and television services, although those wanting to maintain just a traditional landline are likely to see a price hike. Mobile phone giant 02 will actually be launching a landline and broadband product in March, in a bid to become the cheapest provider. If you would like a short-term deal, mobile broadband is probably your best bet for value. Take a look at Vodafone for mobile broadband as well as a host of the latest internet ready handsets such as the new HTC.
Mobile broadband grew considerably during the second half of 2009, with 16 million Britons, or one in four of the population, making use of broadband services. The rise of social media and other services on the go has been a real driving factor in the need for mobile broadband on smart phones, with these devices accounting to 20% of the mobile handset market. This growth looks set to continue in 2010, with the expansion of the Google Android phone operating system and $12 million invested in mobile broadband development in Europe alone. Mobile broadband spend will account for 52% of all mobile infrastructure spend during the year.
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