Danes Ready to Drop Fixed Line Phones

A new poll from TNS Gallup shows that 56% of all Danes are now ready to completely drop their fixed line phones in favor of mobiles - a rise of almost 25% on last year. Seventy six percent also expect for everyone to have switched to mobile and broadband telephony within the next 5-10 years.

The poll undertaken for Sonofon shows that Danes are increasingly willing to completely drop their fixed line telephones in favor of mobiles. Fifty six percent responded that they would be willing to switch their fixed line service for mobiles if they knew that was cheaper or just as cheap as using a fixed line telephone. This represents an increase of almost 25% compared to the first opinion poll in June 2005.

Willingness to change is even greater amongst the young. As many as 67% of 15-30 year-olds are ready to switch to mobiles instead of their fixed line telephones.

Price advantage of mobiles still unknown

In contrast, the widespread view that fixed line services are cheapest have only gradually changed. Whereas in 2005, 82% thought that fixed line charges were cheaper than mobile rates, 73% now think so.

"The figures show that most Danes still believe that fixed line is cheapest but more and more are becoming aware that mobiles are actually often cheaper. This shows that we still have a major job ahead to tell people of the real opportunities to save on their telephone bills," says Peter Berg, VP Sonofon Private.

Danes switching to mobile and broadband telephony

According to the Gallup poll, 76% think that everyone will have switched from fixed line to either mobile or broadband telephony, or a combination of the two within the next 5-10 years. The results show that Danes are firm believers in technological developments, which are moving in these years towards a combination of mobile and broadband services at home and in the business sector.

"Danes' telephone habits and their needs differ. For many, it would be most appropriate for them to use a mobile whereas it may pay others to combine a mobile with broadband telephony," says Peter Berg.

The Mobile World subscriber database reports that Denmark is close to 100% penetration. At the end of Q1 '06 - the country had 5.35 million subscribers - a 98.25% penetration level."

Posted to the site on 21st August 2006