Study: Broadband appears 'recession-proof'
June 29, 2009
Consumers prefer to cut spending on things like dining out and leisure travel in tough times, but 84 percent in a recent survey said broadband internet in the home is an essential service, according to Alcatel-Lucent.
The study found more consumers globally are planning to subscribe to or upgrade their broadband services, even while reducing spending in other areas.
A desire to reduce the cost and travel time associated with commuting, coupled with a preference for green alternatives, were identified as key factors for keeping broadband access in a recession. In developed countries, respondents also noted "a growing dependence on the internet as an information source, business tool, social network and entertainment venue," Alcatel-Lucent said.
"This clearly shows that people across the world rely on broadband services as a central part of their social and economic lives," said Tim Krause, chief marketing officer for Alcatel-Lucent.
The study matches similar findings in a survey of U.S. consumers released by Strategy Analytics last week, which found that U.S. consumers are far more likely to cut back on their mobile broadband than their home high speed internet or voice plans in tough times.
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