The communications industry regulator Ofcom has again questioned the big name broadband providers’ reliability when it comes to broadband speeds.
Advertisements such as “Up to 8Mb Download Speed” have been criticised for a number of months now, with the average user reaching speeds around 2.7Mb.
A recent survey showed that out of 3,000 people, 62% who carried out a speed tests got less than half the top broadband speed advertised by their provider and only 30% were satisfied with their broadband speeds.
Ofcom has now stepped in and requested an explanation from each of the top broadband providers.
Ofcom wants to prevent consumers from being misled about the speeds they sign up for. It wants customers to know the full facts - such as factors what may affect their speeds - before they buy. There is also talk customers being allowed to terminate their contract without penalties if broadband speeds are well below what is advertised.
The alternative is a “try before you buy” system, which would allow customers to test a broadband connection at home before committing themselves to a lengthy contract. With many broadband providers offering great deals at 18-month contracts, this only seems fair.
This isn’t the first time Ofcom has had to step in this year, forcing providers to operate a code of conduct with respect to the MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) in Feb 2007. The inclusion of a “try before you buy” system would really help millions of broadband users nationwide.
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