Surfers want faster broadband

O2 has emerged as the fastest ISP in a broadband speed test carried out on 16 different providers in the UK. However, the report carried out by Moneysupermarket.com found that the average broadband speed in Britain is just 2.97Mbps and surfers who buy the most expensive packages are getting the least value for money. Over 20,000 line tests were carried out in May with Sky and TalkTalk placed behind O2 as the second and third fastest providers for 8Mbps packages. The report highlights the fact that people paying for 'super-fast' internet connections often get speeds which are less than half those advertised. The speed tests were carried out on connections advertised between 2Mbps and 24Mbps. The results show they achieve an average speed of 2.11Mbps at an average cost of £10 per month. The packages offering least value for money are those with speeds greater than 16Mbps. The average cost is £18.60 but the average speed is just 7.02Mbps. In the case of O2, the average speed achived for its 8Mbps package was 5.39Mbps with Sky at 3.59Mbps and TalkTalk achieving 2.99Mbps for the same packages. The report supports the new code of conduct being drawn up by Ofcom, the communications watchdog, which will require ISPs to be more honest about broadband connection speeds. Many ISPs advertise speeds of "up to 16Mbps" without explaining that distance from a telephone exchange can greatly reduce the connection speed. "Ofcom's code of practice can’t come into force soon enough, although it’s hard to see why the code is voluntary as advertised speeds are a mile away from reality," said Rob Barnes, head of broadband and mobiles at Moneysupermarket.com. The other 13 companies tested provided actual speeds of between only 2.8Mbps and 2.9Mbps to customers who had signed up to their 8Mbps services. The report did not name and shame the worst performing ISPs. "O2 has sped its way to the top of the broadband league offering a great package. However broadband in Britain is still lagging, especially when the second best connection is only half the advertised speed," said Barnes. www.moneysupermarket.com http://broadband.o2.co.uk