Broadband speed: the key points

Ofcom has introduced a new code of practice for the way broadband speeds are advertised in the UK.

The code is voluntary, though 32 ISPs in the UK have signed up to it. This accounts for about 90 per cent of broadband connections in the UK.

Those signing up to the code must adhere to the following rules within the next six months:

- To provide customers at the point of sale with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed that the line can support, whether it is in the shop, over the internet or on the phone.

- To resolve technical issues to improve speed and offering customers the choice to move onto a lower-speed package when estimates given are inaccurate.

- To ensure all sales and promotion staff have a proper understanding of the products they are selling so they can explain to their customers the meaning of the estimates provided at the point of sale.

- To provide consumers with information on usage limits and alerting customers when they have breached them.

Companies providing mobile broadband services to customers are not covered by the code - Ofcom is currently considering whether a new code is required for these operators.

Additionally, Ofcom is undertaking a research project to accurately assess actual broadband speed and performance in the UK.

Broadband speeds: the reaction

www.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/ioi/copbb/copbb