The lack of a consistent high speed broadband service across the UK is depriving the country of £1.3 billion of revenue, according to eBay, the leading auction site. Research from the online auction company has found that unless the UK upgrades to the best broadband, the country will continue to lose out on over a billion pounds worth of income.

16 per cent of the UK has no high speed broadband

The research from eBay found that 16 per cent of the UK is in an area where it is not possible to undertake a transaction on a mobile telephone – a so-called ‘not-spot’.

While rural locations such as the Outer Hebrides have no coverage, other areas including Jersey, the Isle of Man and Inverness were identified as ‘not-spots’ by the eBay research. The auction company claims that ‘more than a third of consumers have failed to complete a purchase on their mobile due to issues with mobile broadband’.

eBay has urged Ofcom to make sure that the new 4G networks are set up so everywhere has access to the best broadband speeds available. The Daily Telegraph reports that ‘mobile shopping could deliver a £4.5 billion boost to Britain’s economy by 2016 and a further £13 billion by 2021.’

Angus McCarey, UK Retail Director for eBay UK, said: “Consumers and retailers are missing out as the cost and reliability of mobile broadband prevents shoppers from spending. High quality and reliable mobile broadband coverage throughout the UK has to be our ambition.”

Broadband only deals offer high speed broadband at a low cost

If you’re looking to get the best high speed broadband then there are two ways that you can go about finding it:

•    Broadband bundle comparison
•    Broadband only deals

A broadband bundle comparison involves researching the costs of accessing a range of home media services from the same supplier. For example, you might compare bundles including satellite TV channels, a home landline and broadband.  You will often find that buying multiple services from the same provider will save you money.

Alternatively, you can research broadband only deals. As well as comparing the monthly cost of these deals, it’s important to compare both the speed and the reliability of each broadband service.  Sometimes it is worth paying a little bit extra every month in order to benefit from a faster, more reliable broadband service.

If Ofcom heeds the eBay research, the choice of high quality broadband could improve over the next few years.

Rory Stewart, MP, commented on the eBay research: “This is another fantastic example of why we must take this opportunity to expand mobile broadband coverage as far as possible.”

Marzena Lipman, digital expert at Consumer Focus, agrees: “Mobile commerce offers consumers another choice on how they shop. This broadband lottery is particularly worrying as online deals are often the cheapest around and can help customers save much needed cash. The Government must ensure reliable broadband is available to everyone regardless of location.”