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