Ofcom has announced that it will be issuing enforcement notifications to a number of UK broadband providers to protect consumers.

The UK telecoms regulator has put forward new guidelines that aim to protect consumers from mis-selling in the fixed-line telecoms and broadband market.

Furthermore, broadband providers will also have to join an independent dispute resolution programme to protect customers that are unhappy with the service provided by telecoms suppliers.

One such programme is that managed by the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman, of which a third of UK broadband suppliers are members.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "Far too many consumers are being misled by fixed-line companies and this investigation will lead [Ofcom] to take firm action against those who disregard the rules."

He concluded by saying that the regulator wants to ensure that customers are treated fairly and are able to take full advantage of the competition in the UK market.

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