Study – Mobile Broadband Still More Popular than Risky Public Wi-Fi

Would you rather go online with Mobile Broadband (3G/4G) or public WiFi when outside of the home? The latest online survey of 1,516 ISPreview.co.uk readers suggests that mobile is still the most popular choice (72.1% of respondents), with security fears and fiddly sign-up forms hurting trust in WiFi.

The survey also asked whether respondents would only use a WiFi hotspot if there was a very poor or no Mobile Broadband signal and 58.2% agreed, with just 25% saying “No” and 16.6% answering with a “Maybe“.

The results mark a noticeable shift from when the same survey was first conducted two years ago (here). At that time 63.3% (vs 72.1% in 2016) said they preferred Mobile Broadband to Public WiFi, although “Security” (34.4%) and “Fiddly Signup Forms” (25.1%) were still top of the major gripes, just as they are again today.

Given the choice, and assuming a good signal for both, which would you rather use when out and about (e.g. shopping, eating, hotel)?
Mobile Broadband 3G/4G – 72.1%
Public WiFi Hotspot – 20.8%
I never use either – 6.9%

Do you agree: I would only use a WiFi hotspot if there is a very poor or no Mobile Broadband signal?
Yes – 58.2%
No – 25%
Maybe – 16.6%

What is the biggest single problem with public WiFi?
Security – 42.9%
Fiddly Signup Forms – 30.1%
Performance – 15.6%
Sporadic Coverage – 7.5%
Price – 2.1%
Other – 1.4%

Mobile Broadband connections have improved a lot over the past few years, largely thanks to the roll-out of faster 4G technology. On the flip side the patch-work quilt of Wi-Fi hotspots, many of which require users to complete fiddly sign-up forms in order to gain access, often but not always fail to deliver the same performance. Experiences will of course vary from place to place.

At the same time a growing number of reports have also shed fresh light on the security risks of public WiFi, which can result in users having their personal data stolen or devices hijacked and this may explain why more respondents have highlighted security concerns in 2016 (42.9%) than 2014 (34.4%).

On top of that it’s often very difficult to identify whether or not a particular WiFi network is secure, although some of that risk can be mitigated by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to help protect your connection. Never the less it’s clear that WiFi still has a long way to go and the future advent of 5G could put more pressure on the service.

Meanwhile this month’s new survey asks at what speed we should define “ultrafast” broadband and whether or not more public money should be put on the table to help roll it out across rural areas? Vote Here.