How TMT companies need to adapt to customers’ changing digital needs

Our survey findings discuss consumer’s attitudes toward technology, media and entertainment, and telecommunications (TMT) services in the home.

Our research, Decoding the digital home 2019 studied consumers’ attitudes toward a range of TMT services in the home. The insights were generated through an online survey of 12,500 broadband households between October and December 2018 across four markets — France, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. The survey questionnaire consisted of 54 attitudinal questions, enabling us to segment respondents into eight different groups. Additional analyses and insights have been provided by EY’s global TMT team.

Six key takeaways for TMT providers

1. While consumers have an intimate relationship with the internet, clear symptoms of digital fatigue are emerging

The internet is the critical foundation of consumers’ digital, and increasingly social, lives as new devices and experiences blur the line between the physical and virtual worlds, empowering them to make new lifestyle choices.

Yet, respondents in all four markets surveyed, especially younger consumers, voice real fears of overexposure to the online world, suggesting a growing sense of digital fatigue.

2. Broadband performance matters most to consumers, but a lack of differentiation means service providers risk commoditization

Broadband connectivity is the gateway to the digital household, making consumers sensitive to speed and performance — and many fear that these would deteriorate if they switched providers.

As a result, speed or reliability often rank ahead of price as a switching trigger.

Yet, a significant majority of households in all four markets see broadband as just another utility, such as gas or electricity.  

In most cases, the default mindset is to minimize spend on telecoms — underlining the challenges for strategies based on selling premium products.

3. The “streaming society” has gone mainstream, and traditional broadcasters are feeling the pressure

As streaming redefines how people across the world consume content, short online video has become the order of the day in most markets, with around one-third of the consumers already progressing to more sophisticated multiple-device streaming behaviors.

The move away from traditional TV channels is currently more advanced in the US than in Europe. 

But an analysis by age shows younger consumers everywhere are less bonded to traditional broadcasters — reinforcing the threat of future disruption.

4. Consumer internet of things (IoT) products are gaining momentum, but there is no guarantee of continued growth

With digital home assistants and smart speakers leading the way, current take-up rates for smart home products and services look promising. 

The brightest adoption outlook over the coming five years is for smart utility and security services.

However, a range of concerns, including high-price points, data privacy and the perception that they are a passing trend, could yet derail the take-up of smart-home capabilities. 

5. Worries over data privacy and security are undermining customer trust, but consumers are divided over how regulators should respond

Consumers in all markets are skeptical about disclosing their personal data, even to trusted websites. 

Most households are still unconvinced that recent data protection regulations will make much difference.

From the UK and the US, 41% of the respondents don’t think their personal data can ever be fully secure in the digital age. 

Opinions on the value of tighter regulation are divided, both by age and geography.

6. Complex TMT offerings are creating confusion — with opaque introductory offers and complicated product installation undermining a smooth customer journey

Many consumers find service offerings difficult to understand. 

Almost a quarter of consumers struggle to find their favorite content in the crowded service ecosystem. 

Product installation is a particular pain point for consumers. 

Introductory offers are seen as obscuring the real value of bundles, risking the chances of alienating the customer.