Broadband companies advertising speeds "up to" a certain speed are often offering a much slower service, according to the Ofcom Consumer Panel.

Earlier in the year, Ofcom asked internet service providers (ISPs) why consumers were often not getting the advertised connection speeds and have been waiting for a response from the six top UK ISP chief executives.

The BBC today reported that the panel had deemed action necessary, saying that customers should be allowed to leave their contract early if they are not satisfied.

Current chairman of the panel Colette Brown explained the need for regulation, saying: "We would like to see Ofcom leading discussions with the industry to produce an enforceable code of practice that would be mandatory for ISPs."

The code could include making it mandatory for ISPs to contact customers within two weeks of signing up, informing them of their actual broadband connection speed, as well as improving consumer contact and service for the future.

Wednesday, 19th December 2007

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