New research reveals how important a broadband connection is to British families.
Millions of British families would reduce spending on food or utility bills before broadband access, according to a new survey from O2.
The company surveyed consumers to find out what they would be unwilling to cut back on during the recession. Two-thirds (67 percent) said that they would be reluctant to save on their internet connection, above school uniforms (59 percent), family holidays (30 percent) and the weekly groceries (24 percent).
"This report reveals just how pervasive technology now is within UK homes," said Alistair Johnston, marketing director of Telefonica O2 UK. He added: "Technology has a hugely positive role to play in helping families better manage their hectic lives, but also ultimately in being able to spend more time together."
The survey also revealed how much money families are spending on technology in general. Four in ten parents said that buying technology and paying for subscriptions accounted for ten percent of the household budget - estimated by O2 at roughly £3,000 per year.
Additionally, families are using technology to interact with one another. One in five parents use social networks to keep in touch with family members, while a third surf the internet together at least once a week.
