Broadband speeds: the key points

The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA) has outlined its support for the scheme, but said it would like to see wireless mobile operators to be included in the code's remit to prevent confusion for consumers.

Moneysupermarket.com's head of broadband Rob Barnes agreed.

"It's great news that 32 ISPs have signed up to this code of practice, however involvement should be compulsory for all. Ofcom says 90 per cent of the industry will be covered, but why should the remaining one in 10 people have to suffer a poorer service or be less advised?" Barnes said.

Gavin Johns of broadband monitoring firm Epitiro said that customers needed to remember to think about reliability when signing up to a broadband package, as well as speed.

"The reliability of an internet connection is crucial in the internet experience. What is the use, for example, of occasionally blisteringly fast connection speeds if the connection frequently fails or service levels dip?" asked Johns.

Ian Fogg, an analyst at Jupiter Research, welcomed Ofcom's moves but said that there was still more to be done.

"The code is still too focused on communicating the peak, or best, broadband speed a consumer is able to receive on their line, rather than actual broadband speeds supplied by an ISP.

"This is still a work in progress, and in my opinion is unlikely to greatly alter the broadband market now," Fogg said.

Michael Phillips of Consumerchoices.co.uk said that the code of practice didn't go far enough.

"We are pleased that suppliers will be forced to clearly sign post fair usage policies for all customers going forward, but more could also be done to make rules clearer about 'unlimited downloads' which are not a reality. This is a first step in the right direction from Ofcom, but we feel it does not go far enough to protect the interests of broadband customers."

www.ispa.org.uk
www.moneysupermarket.com
www.epitiro.co.uk
www.jupiterresearch.com
www.consumerchoices.co.uk

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