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Ofcom introduces new broadband speed rules for ISPs
Friday 5th December 2008, by Daniel King
Ofcom's voluntary Code of Practice (CoP) for broadband speeds will officially come into force today (December 5th).
The scheme is intended to help internet service providers (ISPs) offer customers a "true picture" of the real-world performance of a broadband connection at the point of sale, reports ISP Review.
Ofcom's research - which will be released in early 2009 - is expected to show that one-quarter of people do not achieve the speeds they expect from their ISPs.
The body is also looking into the actual speeds obtained by broadband customers and will publish the report in the first quarter of 2009.
Under the CoP, consumers are to be provided with an indication of the fastest connection that their line can support.
They will also be given an explanation of how technical factors may slow down speeds and be provided with help on how set ups at home can be improved to improve their connection.
Subscibers to broadband can expect an alternative package without any penalties if the speed is significantly lower than the original estimate.
Users will also get an explanation of fair usage policies and be alerted when they have breached this agreement.
Among the ISPs that have signed up to the CoP are AOL Broadband, Be Broadband, Demon, BT, Eclipse Internet, O2, Orange, PlusNet, Talk Talk, Tiscali and Virgin Media.
Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "Ofcom welcomes the fact that so many ISPs have signed and now implemented the CoP.
"Over 95 per cent of broadband customers are covered by the CoP which means that the vast majority of people should be confident about the advice they receive on broadband speeds," he added.
Sky Broadband recently became the first ISP to offer a completely unlimited usage package.
Categories: Broadband, Broadband Products, Pipex, Tiscali, Orange, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Eclipse Internet, Demon
