24 September 2007
Nearly two thirds of broadband users in the UK are failing to receive the fast internet speeds they originally signed up for, a new study has revealed.
A report by Computeractive found that 62% of broadband users achieve less than 50% of the broadband speed they pay for, while 28% of people can use just one quarter of their advertised speed.
The study, which was carried out in conjunction with BroadbandChoices and ThinkBroadband, studied 3,000 broadband customers in total.
The companies now plan to lobby Ofcom to change regulations to ensure ISPs provide exactly what they promise, as well as pressuring the telecoms regulator into setting up an independent speed-testing service to allow consumers to check their broadband speeds are correct.
"Ofcom currently permits ISPs to advertise only theoretical maximum rates for broadband connections, and most ISPs include the caveat that consumers can only expect speeds 'up to' this maximum," said Computeractive Editor Paul Allen.
"No information is available on what consumers can expect in practice, despite providers having access to tests that would give a much clearer idea of potential speeds."
In related news, BT has revealed it is to consider looking into installing a super-fast fixed-line broadband network in the UK.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ian Livingston, Head of BT's Retail Division said that the company would discuss the issue with government officials and regulators at a forthcoming summit.
Last week MP Stephen Timms warned that the UK could face falling behind the rest of Europe if it did not address the need for the installation of super-fast fibre-optic broadband networks.
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