ADSL Broadband
Best Broadband
Cable Broadband
Free Broadband
Fastest Broadband
20Mb Broadband
50Mb Broadband
Fibre-Optic Broadband
New code boosts ISP transparency
Monday 14th March 2011, by Daniel King
Customers will soon be able to make a more informed choice when signing up to broadband packages.
A new voluntary initiative to provide more transparency in regards to traffic management practices used by internet service providers (ISPs) will make it easier to compare broadband deals.
Traffic management is used by ISPs to manage traffic across networks, prioritising busy areas and ensuring critical traffic types are supported.
The techniques also uphold the contractual obligations of the provider, slowing down traffic for the heaviest users.
Now the Broadband Stakeholder Group has devised a code to ensure customers can compare the traffic management techniques employed by different companies.
BSkyB, BT, O2, Talk Talk, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone have signed up to the voluntary code.
These companies are responsible for 90 per cent of all fixed-line broadband customers and 60 per cent of all mobile broadband customers in the UK.
The impact of a company's traffic management methods will be clearly explained so customers can choose the best ISP for their needs.
Antony Walker, chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group, said: "This commitment to provide clear and comparable information in a common format is very important.
"It will not only help to ensure consumers are better informed about the services they buy and use, but will also provide a clearer picture for policy makers of the way in which traffic management is actually used in the UK market."
Under the initiative, a common Key Facts Indicator (KFI) table will summarise traffic management practices for each broadband deal on ISPs' websites by the end of June 2011.
More transparency from ISPs could help to boost customer confidence when choosing a broadband package.
A recent report from Ofcom has revealed that actual broadband speeds available to customers are less than half of the average offering advertised.
