Broadband Genie: Mobile ISPs likely to replace 'free' laptop offers with credit

Internet service providers (ISPs) could choose to offer credit packages rather than the 'free' laptops that currently characterise many offers, according to Broadband Genie.

Figures from the broadband comparison website revealed 60 per cent of consumers do not believe laptop offers provide enough value for money anymore as the devices are normally paid for throughout the duration of a contract.

Ciaron Dunne, broadband analyst at Broadband Genie, said ISPs may choose to offer additional customer credit in the run-up to Christmas as this would provide an immediately more cost-effective way for consumers to save money.

Mr Dunne said: "Consumers are more aware of the fact that they are not really saving any money when going for a 'free' laptop deal - they are effectively just paying for the laptop over the life of the contract."

Mobilebroadband services are popular among consumers and could help provide more flexible VoIP solutions.

Just 15 per cent of surveyed consumers considered 'free' laptop deals to be good offers, according to the Broadband Genie research.