One in five Britons prioritise 'fast speed internet' when moving home

According to research carried out by Vodafone UK, one in five of Britons prioritise broadband over water or gas when they move into a new home.

The survey carried out by 2,000 people revealed that Electricity came top, with more than half (53 per cent) of people polling it as their highest priority, followed by broadband at 20 per cent, water at 13 per cent, gas at eight per cent and council tax at four per cent.

The report also said that broadband wasn't just a high focus when moving house, but also very important when choosing a new house. Some 71 per cent of homeowners stated that they would always take into consideration the quality of broadband service when selecting a new home and said they would be put off if it had poor connectivity.

Broadband was especially a high priority for younger people, with nearly one in four people (24 per cent) making sure they have fast broadband running before paying council tax or other bills.

The research also pointed out that poor broadband speeds and connectivity were the most frustrating scenarios in households for under 25s, with 24 per cent stating that this was the issue that caused them the most stress when compared to plumbing or car issues.

Glafkos Persianis, Vodafone's UK commercial director, said of the survey: “Today, fast and efficient broadband at home is more of a priority than ever, and this is demonstrated by the importance that people put on their internet when they first move into their new homes."

Currently, the government is consulting on plans to introduce a Universal Service Obligation (USO) speed of 10Mbps. The Prime Minister, on announcing the plans, said: “Access to the internet shouldn't be a luxury; it should be a right — a fundamental to life in 21st century Britain.”

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(Image: Kainet)