Public puts broadband before food and utility bills

Brits would rather spend their money on internet access than on food and utility bills during the credit crunch, according to research by O2.

In a survey of 500 families the internet service provider (ISP) found just under three quarters of people were reluctant to reduce their spending on internet access.

This was compared to a fifth who said they wouldn’t reduce their budget on their weekly food spend and two thirds who said they wouldn’t stop spending on items such as children’s school uniforms.

O2’s Digital Families report also found that instead of putting gadgets on the back burner during the recession, people were buying more.

Just under half of households said technology purchases accounted for 10 per cent of their annual budget, adding up to around £3,000 per household per year.

According to the report, families will still look to buy technology in a tough economic climate but will be more price-conscious.

Just under two thirds of families said they would still buy the latest gadgets if they were affordable.

O2 said on average each household had 2.4 TVs, 1.6 computers, 2.4 games consoles, 3 mobile phones and 2.2 MP3 players.

Alistair Johnston, a representative for O2, said: "This report reveals just how pervasive technology now is within UK homes. We strongly believe that 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."