Huge numbers of customers are dumping firms who use automated telephone helplines, a new survey claims.
The average time it takes for a caller to speak to a human is six minutes and 24 seconds.
Six out of ten people quizzed admitted switching services in the past year because of waiting on the telephone.
The study of 1,000 people found 82 per cent get frustrated using automated call connections.
Just ten per cent thought they were helpful in the poll for management consultants Accenture.
Broadband firms, banks and supermarket shopping lines were the worst offenders. Airlines and satellite companies came out top.
People would much rather talk directly to a live person without having to deal with a helpline.