It's Not Just Speed: Broadband Beating Dial-up on Price

Silicon.com's Jo Best reported today that UK rates for broadband internet connections are now actually less expensive than their narrow-band cousins.

An analysis conducted by price comparison and switching service SimplySwitch.com revealed,

"Whether a customer pays for their dial-up per minute, or pays a monthly fee for ‘unlimited access’, they are now almost certain to make savings by switching to broadband. With over 40% of households now connected to broadband, and many more expected to subscribe this year, dial-up services are effectively being priced out of the market."

The high-speed price drops are largely a result of increasing competition, including the recent "free broadband" offers from Sky and Carphone Warehouse. Of course, you often get what you pay for, and Best warns that customer service for the free services often leaves a lot to be desired, plus free plans may still be less-than-top speed and can even restrict data usage.