ME net surfers paying above the odds

Internet users in this region pay more for one megabit broadband internet connections than those in almost all of the world's 30 most developed countries, however the UAE's monthly megabit price is better value than the average in Turkey, according to the dual findings of new OECD and Windows Middle East surveys.

According to a report published this week by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) - 60% of the world's most developed countries are now on broadband. And of these, as per the report's October 2006 figures, the most expensive megabit monthly fee is Turkey's, at US $81.13.

However, whilst this is cheaper than Batelco in Bahrain's consumer cost (a whopping $105 per month), it is notably more expensive than Etisalat's current UAE consumer charge of just $68, according to the findings of an ongoing Windows Middle East poll.

The OECD report suggests the other key means of measuring broadband value is the monthly price of an ‘entry-level' broadband connection. On this front, Sweden comes out top, with the average October charge there for an always-on 256kbps subscription being approximately $10.79.

This compares to approximately $40 for the current same-speed connection from Etisalat in the UAE and $26 in Bahrain (from Batelco).Tell us how much you pay for your net connection and win a BenQ digital projector! Click here for more details.