11 October 2007
Ofcom have said that British internet service providers (ISPs) should "address consumer concerns" that their connection speeds are misleadingly advertised.
The industry watchdog's Consumer Panel have asked six of the biggest UK ISPs to provide customers with clearer information on what speed they are actually getting, as opposed to the maximum possible on the connection.
This follows the recent popularity of broadband connections being advertised as 'up to' a certain speed - the most popular currently being 'up to 8Mbps' offers.
In a letter sent out to the Chief Executives of the six firms, Consumer Panel Chairman Colette Bowe said: we believe that broadband customers are not at the moment getting enough information.
"We are of course aware of the technical reasons for the "up to" terminology that you use. I would however like to have your views about how these technical issues might be better addressed."
Ofcom recommendations for the ISPs include advising customers on their true connection speeds, extending the so-called 'cooling-off' period after purchase where customers can switch providers and allowing contracts to be broken if the speed does not match what was advertised.
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