NEW DELHI: Consumers across the world are not willing to part with their broadband services at home and are preferring to cut spending on dining out and leisure travel in the midst of the economic downturn, says a study.

According to a study by Alcatel-Lucent on worldwide consumers, broadband services appear to be nearly recession-proof, with 84 per cent of consumers identifying it as an essential network service and therefore least likely to be subject to spending cuts.

The study also revealed that more consumers globally are planning to subscribe to or upgrade their broadband services, even while reducing spending in other areas.

The main factors driving this preference include a desire to reduce the cost and travel time associated with commuting, coupled with a preference for greener alternatives.