UK Internet users rate film downloads as service most desired from next-gen broadband

December 4, 2007 – UK Internet users rate the ability to download DVD-quality films quickly as the service most desired from next-generation broadband services, according to a survey conducted by consumer advice website Broadbandchoices.co.uk.

Survey respondents rated film downloads above video calls, high-definition video downloads and home surveillance as the most desired service, with 61% rating “downloading DVD quality films in five minutes” as the most interesting application.  Interestingly though, many respondents said that watching Internet TV or downloading films is the online activity they currently spend the least time on.

“From our results it does appear a little contradictory that respondents rated ‘watching TV’ or downloading films as being the least amount of time spent on the Internet in a week and yet when asked which future service would be of most interest rated them as the most popular,” said Michael Phillips, Product Director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk.  “It could be that current services are not at a high enough standard to warrant utilising video services.  If speeds were improved, consumers are more likely to use broadband to watch TV and/or download films.”

In second place for the service most desired from next-generation broadband networks was downloading high-definition TV programmes on demand with 48%, followed by video calling to friends/family over the Internet with 46%.  CCTV home surveillance via broadband came in fourth with 42%, followed by high-definition gaming services with 19%.