Mobile broadband forecast to surpass fixed-line within two years

The number of fixed-line broadband connections in the UK will be exceeded by mobile access by 2011, according to a report from mobileSQUARED.

According to the organisation, mobile connections will number 42.7 million in 2011, around 200,000 more than fixed-line services.

Chris Marling, editor of Broadband Genie, said mobile cannot yet compete with fixed-line connections in terms of service reliability and speed, but the technology has been instrumental in enabling consumers to access the internet while out and about.

Mr Marling added: "Fixed-line is still setting the agenda for broadband speed and innovators are making products to match: 3D and 360 degree TV are going to need fast, stable speeds to make them work."

Faster connection speeds could improve download times and help web users access applications such as VoIP solutions more effectively.

Despite the disadvantages of mobile connectivity, up to ten per cent of corporate web traffic is already generated using a mobile device, according to mobileSQUARED.