Britons keep connected despite recession

Broadband Internet connections, pay-TV subscriptions and mobile phones are among the last items consumers are prepared to forgo during the recession. About half of British people would rather give up eating out, holidays and DIY than do without communications services, according to research by Ofcom. About 47 per cent of consumers said they were likely to economize on restaurant meals, compared with just 10 per cent who would give up their high-speed Internet connection. Take-up of broadband has continued to grow strongly, reaching 68 per cent at the end of the first quarter this year, compared with 58 per cent a year earlier. About 12 per cent of households have mobile broadband, and people spend on average 25 minutes online each day, compared with nine minutes in 2004. Radio is the only communications sector in decline. During the past five years listening hours among children aged between four and 15 have fallen by 21 per cent; and among 15 to 24-year-olds by 12 per cent.