ISPA Study Claims 72 Percent of UK Backs Continued Investment in Broadband

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA), which is a trade body representing ISPs and related comms providers, has today published the results of a new nationally representative poll. This found that 72% of people believe it’s important for broadband providers to keep upgrading networks and 62% were willing to accept short-term traffic disruption for long-term improvements.

The study, which also revealed how 78% of respondents believe everyone in the country should be able to access “high-speed internet“, is intended to provide fresh insights into the British public’s opinions on a range of key issues for the telecoms sector, including broadband rollout, online safety, fraud, and digital inclusion.

The report thus contains somewhat of a shotgun blast of information across several different categories, which we’ll attempt to summarise below.

Summary of Results

➤ Only supermarkets ranked higher than broadband as a daily priority (40% vs. 37%), with internet access seen as more essential than utilities, mobile networks, or even banks.

➤ When asked what they would rather forgo over internet access, 49% of respondents chose the gym, while 42% said alcohol.

➤ 41% of people say the national government should take responsibility for ensuring affordable broadband for all, while 40% look to broadband providers to do this, and 23% to local governments.

➤ 53% were not aware of the current broadband upgrades, such as via the Government’s Project Gigabit programme.

➤ 61% have experienced online fraud or scams, with younger adults especially affected; just 23% of 25-34 year olds say they’ve never encountered fraud, compared to 55% of those aged 55 and over.

➤ 55% believe social media companies are not doing enough to prevent scams, and only 34% feel current measures are adequate.

➤ 22% use parental controls from their broadband provider, while 21% have installed internet safety software, and 20% choose direct supervision.

➤ Public opinion is divided on responsibility for online safety – 33% say it’s up to users and parents, while others point to tech platforms (21%), government (17%), or broadband providers (13%).