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