by Gerald Flynn, Industry & Employment Specialist
ABOUT 40% of people expect to spend less on their mobile phones, internet access, fixed-line phone and other communication as the recession leads to more belt-tightening.
Around one-third of consumers had already cutback on communications spend in the first half of this year by making fewer calls rather than disconnecting or opting out of phone services. This is according to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) recently published the findings of its first Residential Consumer ICT Survey of 2009.
The survey, of 1,006 adults aged 15-74, measured attitudes and usage of information and communications by consumers in May and June of 2009.
It found that the average monthly spend on mobile phones had dropped to €40.68 in Q2 2009. This is almost €17 less than the same period in 2006, owing to a combination of more competitive pricing and reduced consumption among consumers. Fixed line average bi-monthly spend is €95.24, which is €6.03 less than average spend in Q2 2006.
PC/Laptop ownership in Ireland continued to increase with nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents now having access to either a PC or laptop at home. Home internet connections also grew from 58% of households in Q2 2008 to 67% a year later. Clear Learning expects this trend to result in growing demand for short courses in maximizing benefits from computer usage.
Managing director, Ger Coakley said: “The ComReg survey clearly shows that different levels of interactions with newer media varies greatly by age, social class and access to technology. At Clear Learning we tailor our courses to enhance the capability of people in these different segments.”
Just over half of internet users (52%) use Eircom as their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Mobile broadband providers have increased their market share from 6% in Q2 2008 to 17% in Q2 2009.
Nearly 70% of consumers indicate that their home internet connection is fast enough for their needs, up from almost 60% in Q2 2008.
The use of premium rate services is low (17%) among mobile phone users. Dissatisfaction with premium rate services is due mainly to cost and hidden charges according to the latest ComReg research.
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