Consumers Could be Wasting a Fortune on Unused Mobile Broadband Data

CAMBRIDGE, England, July 13, 2010 - More than half of Broadband Genie visitors do not know how much mobile
broadband data they use each month. In many cases, consumers could be paying
hundreds of pounds for data they don't use.

In a survey of more than 1,000 mobile broadband users, 53.5 per cent
answered 'Don't know' to the question, 'How many GBs of mobile broadband do
you use per month?' Around 11 per cent use up to 1GB, 13 per cent 1-5GB, 9
per cent 5-10GB and 14 per cent 10GB or more.

With a massive range of deals available, currently from GBP35 per month
for 20GB of data to as little as GBP10 per month for just 1GB, consumers need
to be aware of their usage, or literally pay for the consequences.

Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling said: "Consumers misunderstanding
data limits is unfortunately common. At this time of year, we often see
horror stories of 'bill shock' caused by holidaymakers confused over how much
data different mobile broadband tasks use. While these make the headlines,
they are generally rare incidents - the occasional tourist downloading some
TV episodes while abroad coming home to a bill of thousands of pounds.

"However, the flip side of the coin hides the real story - people using
too little data, not too much: the same consumer confusion sees many
customers paying too much for their mobile broadband data tariff. Instead of
a few people facing bills in their thousands, we're talking about thousands
of customers who could probably halve their mobile internet bill and see no
difference in their online usage.

"Many people wont think to check their bill unless it's higher than
normal - if it's just the amount they expect, they don't think to see how
close they are to their limit. We strongly advise people to go back over
their bills to see how much they could potentially save, either by reducing
their tariff or even going to a pay-as-you-go deal.

"We would strongly suggest new mobile broadband users try to calculate
how much data they may use before signing up. Most mobile broadband providers
have calculators in their website, while the Broadband Genie Usage Guide
(www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/mobilebroadband/help/mobile-broadband-usage-
guide-what-can-you-get-for-your-gigabyte) aggregates that information. If in
doubt though, go a little higher, as once you go over your agreed limit the
excess price per MB can be expensive."

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Broadband Genie is the UK's leading independent broadband and mobile
broadband comparison website, providing consumers with an unbiased source of
information on broadband prices and contracts and allowing them to compare
broadband providers in an independent environment. Broadband Genie was
launched in March 2004 as the first dedicated consumer comparison site for
broadband, while Mobile Broadband Genie was the first independent mobile
broadband comparison site, launched in October 2007. The sites were combined
in 2010, with the addition of smartphone comparison. The site is one of the
most popular in its field, regularly featuring in the national press.
www.broadbandgenie.co.uk

2. All queries and interview requests should be directed to Chris Marling
at Broadband Genie: t +44(0)844-415-5531 / f +44(0)871-6618553 /
chris.marling@genieventures.co.uk

www.broadbandgenie.co.uk

All queries and interview requests should be directed to Chris Marling at Broadband Genie: t +44(0)844-415-5531 / f +44(0)871-6618553 / m +44(0)7908-327303 / chris.marling at genieventures.co.uk