Fixed-line broadband 'still better than mobile'

Fixed-line broadband - which can include wireless local area networks with a cabled main connection - remains better than that which is delivered via mobile services, it is claimed.

Edd Dawson, editor of internet advice site broadband.co.uk, explains that some mobile operators simply do not allow access to certain services, with streamed video one example.

Meanwhile, those that do not limit the services available could be more likely to face increased bandwidth competition among customers, reducing the maximum connection speed each can enjoy.

"There are contention issues," Mr Dawson says.

"If you're in a busy cell, your speed is going to be degraded because the bandwidth is shared amongst all the users in that cell."

Fixed-line broadband has its own contention ratio, determined by the number of people using a particular exchange at any given time.

However, Mr Dawson points out that this is typically less of an issue as there is also a much higher core bandwidth available to be shared.