Brussels, 27/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - The third EU-wide household survey, published by the European Commission on 27 June, reveals the emergence of new consumption patterns in telecoms services in Europe. The third EU-wide survey of 27,000 households reveals the emergence of new consumption patterns in telecoms services in Europe. Technological progress and competition have brought more choice to European consumers; 24% of households have given up their fixed telephone in favour of mobile phones, while 22% are using their home computer to make phonecalls over the internet. In an increasing number of member states, households are using wireless access to connect to the internet, via mobile or satellite networks. Today, 29% of European households buy bundled telecoms and media packages, an increase of nearly 10% since last year. The top priority for consumers remains the quality of services. The key findings of the survey are: (1) almost half of European households (49%) have internet access and an increasing number enjoy a broadband connection (36% of EU27, an increase of 8% since winter 2007). Most connected households access the internet via an ADSL line (59%, up 4% from last year). The main reason quoted for not having an access at home remains the lack of interest (50% of respondents); (2) 22% of European households have difficulty contacting their internet service provider about connection problems. A similar number said the cost of the support they get is too expensive; (3) One in four mobile users is not always able to connect to the mobile network to make a phone call, and 28% are sometimes cut off; (4) More households are receiving digital terrestrial television: an increase of 5% since winter 2007 to now 12% of EU27 households. The number of households with analogue television reception via an aerial has fallen from 45% to 41%; (5) One in ten EU households receives television by more than one means (aerial, cable, satellite, internet). The survey is available at:
http: //ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/info_centre/documentation/studies_ext_consult/
index_en.htm#2008 (I.L./transl.rt)