While the top rated wireless ISPs scored high marks across the board (see below for winners), only 65% of voters were satisfied or very satisfied with reliability of their wireless broadband.
The full results, including ratings given to major ISPs, are published today in the January 2010 issue of PC Authority magazine (see cover on right). More than 17,000 people voted in PC Authority's annual technology awards this year on ISPs, phone providers, laptop brands, security software and more.
The results also indicate widespread dissatisfaction with mobile phone service providers, in particular customer support. 19% of voters were either dissatisfied or very disatisfied with customer support (see below for the most highly ranked phone provider).
Westnet, iiNet, Internode most highly ranked wireless broadband ISPs
Highly Commended: Westnet, iiNet, Internode
The big surprise in the wireless broadband category was the high marks given to the three top-ranked ISPs. iiNet, Internode and Westnet all received relatively high marks across the board, with more than 90% of iiNet and Westnet voters satisfied or very satisfied with reliability. Only 43% of Optus users satisfied or very satisfied with value, compared with a miserable 21% for Telstra.
Customer service the major complaint for mobile phone users
Winner: TPG
Particularly dismal in the mobile phone provider category was the overall voting when it came to customer service. 19% indicated they were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with customer service. Poor performers here were Telstra and Soul.
Fixed-line broadband - customer support and value still a concern
Winner: Westnet. Highly Commended: Amnet and Internode
As in previous years, the shining light in the fixed line broadband category was Westnet, with Amnet and Internode coming in second and third place. According to the votes, all three ISPs (and iiNet) appear to have the complete package, with high marks for support, reliability and value for money.
Security Software - big brands facing competition
Winner: Eset Smart Security. Highly Commended: Eset Nod32
The big brands in Internet security - Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro - should be worried by the continued following being built by their rivals. In particular, Eset blew away the competition this year, with users awarding it not only first place, for Eset Smart Security, but second place too, with Eset Nod32.
See full results: For the tables listing the full results for all categories, see the January 2010 issue of PC Authority magazine, on sale at your local newsagency now. Categories include:
- Laptop & Netbook
- PC
- Printers
- TV
- Compact Digital Camera
- Digital SLR Camera
- Graphics Card
- Motherboard
- Smartphone
- Online Retailer
PLUS: the PC Authority editorial team has chosen their list of the best products of the year, including the best netbook, best DSLR, best compact camera, and best smartphone.