More users could switch to phone-based web services

Many web users may choose to access the internet from mobile phones as other mobile broadband services are not as fast as fixed-line alternatives, says an expert website.

According to Broadband Genie, two-thirds of mobile broadband users in the UK have had to put up with connection speeds below one megabit per second (Mbps) through the course of this year, despite claims from internet service providers (ISPs) that much faster services are available.

Chris Marling, editor at Broadband Genie, said ISPs should re-examine the way they market mobile broadband so as to restore the public's confidence in the technology.

Mr Marling said: "Consumer confidence in mobile companies has taken a beating over the years with various mobile scandals and now the same companies are letting down their customers with mobile broadband."

As with fixed-line services, fast mobile broadband could help users download media content more quickly and deliver more efficient VoIP solutions.

Less than one per cent of mobile broadband speed tests conducted by Broadband Genie revealed services faster than 3Mbps.