Nearly half UK broadband users 'dissatisfied with service'

Nearly half of consumers in the UK are dissatisfied with the broadband experience they receive from internet service providers (ISPs), new research reveals.

According to a survey of 12,000 users by price comparison site uSwitch, 42 per cent of consumers are not satisfied with their broadband service.

The study revealed that Orange, AOL Broadband and BT were the lowest rated ISPs for customer satisfaction, while Sky Broadband, PlusNet and O2 were the highest.

This is also despite the fact that broadband speeds are now on average 18 per cent faster than a year ago and bills are on average five per cent cheaper.

Steve Weller, uSwitch's communications expert, said: "Broadband has become such a vital part of people's lives that, despite the tough economic climate, consumers are willing to pay for a fast speed, reliable connection and good old-fashioned customer service."

"It seems that some of the more established broadband companies are slowing down with age and have lost sight of what customers want - speed and reliability, backed up by efficient customer support should things go wrong," he added.

Research recently conducted by Top 10 Broadband suggested many customers are now taking out one-month broadband contracts to avoid the cost of being locked into long-term arrangements.