Broadband access an important link for many: 3 in 5 have seen an increase in home broadband usage due to Covid-19
ComReg has today published the results of a survey on the impact of Covid-19 on home broadband use in Ireland.
The ComReg survey – which was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes – shows that 61% of broadband users have seen an increase in the usage of their home broadband service since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced.
The survey shows that families are using their broadband connection for general browsing, to watch TV content online, social media and also to connect with family members and work colleagues through video-calling apps.
The survey also revealed that prior to the beginning of March one third of workers worked from home to some extent. However, as the Covid-19 restrictions began to impact workplaces, that figure has grown to two-thirds of the workforce.
In terms of Broadband reliability, 3 in 4 of those surveyed said that their home broadband is adequate for working from home. The survey also shows that 4 in 5 users believed their broadband service met the needs of their household. In general, fewer survey respondents in rural areas reported their broadband as adequate to meet their needs. 1 in 4 respondents said they would be willing to spend more on broadband to get a better service, with all broadband users valuing being able to access and use broadband.
Commissioner Robert Mourik said: “Due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, as a society and economy, Ireland has been forced to rely more heavily on its electronic communications networks. ComReg’s survey has shown that most people seem satisfied with their broadband service and that Ireland’s electronic communications networks and service are coping with the additional demands on their respective systems. Telecoms companies, in conjunction with ComReg, have been working to ensure their networks remain resilient as pressure on networks has increased due to Covid-19. It is imperative, now more than ever, that our communications networks support the needs of families, businesses and essential services.”
The full survey is available here.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online between April the 8th and 18th from a sample of 1,049 adults and it is quota controlled by gender, age, social class, region to match the known demographics of the population. This survey will be repeated in June 2020 as part of a project to track the impact of Covid-19 on Irish consumer telecommunications usage.
