New Research on Residential Telecoms Market 17/08/00 Oftel has published a new survey of consumers' views on fixed telephony, mobile telephony, Internet and digital television. The results, based on research from MORI, show that consumers continue to make use of choices available, and are interested in new high speed services such as fast Internet access that new technology will offer. The survey is the first in series of quarterly reports on the residential telecoms market. The results of this and other research is used by Oftel when making policy decisions to meet its goal of achieving the best deal for consumers. The surveys are also an additional source of information for consumer groups and other stakeholders when considering market developments. Key findings of the research are: 25% of home (6 million homes) are now connected to the Internet. At least 22% of the population (14 million people) are using the Internet at home 34 % of Internet users now use more than one Internet service provider While overall awareness of ADSL was low, 40% of consumers expressed an interest in ADSL services, notably faster Internet access Five per cent of UK households now use mobiles instead of fixed phones Only 18% of consumers feel that companies are providing enough information for them to find the best deal According to Chris Kenny, Director of Regulatory Policy at Oftel, "Achieving the best deal for consumers is central to Oftel's strategy. This research into consumer behaviour will help us to ensure that we are implementing our strategy effectively. Although competition is increasing it is important that consumers have the information necessary to help them choose the best possible deal. This new research programme - and the initial findings from it - will help us focus our attention on areas where consumers would benefit from more information." A parallel quarterly survey of small businesses will provide a picture of the business market. The first set of results is expected early in the autumn. These reports provide an overview of the key findings from Oftel's Residential Consumer Survey (Q1 June 2000) conducted by MORI. The survey interviewed a representative sample of 2,070 adults in the UK, reflecting the UK profile of age, sex, social grade, region and employment status.