UK consumers value broadband over food

Consumers in the UK are more willing to spend money on broadband than food and other household essentials during the recession, new research reveals.

According to a survey of 500 families by telecoms operators O2, around three quarters of respondents were not prepared to trim their spending on internet access.

This compared to just a fifth who were reluctant to cut their weekly spending on food and two thirds who didn't want to reduce spending on things like children's school uniforms.

Indeed, the Digital Families report also indicated that two thirds of families were happy to splash out on new gadgets if the price was affordable.

Alistair Johnston, an O2 representative, said: "This report reveals just how pervasive technology now is within UK homes.

"We strongly believe that technology has a hugely positive role to play in helping families better manage their hectic lives, but also ultimately in being able to spend more time together."

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that rival operators T-Mobile and 3 may be set to merge to potentially boost the future provision of mobilebroadband.