uk: Voluntary code for internet speed

bealtine

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7437097.stm

The way broadband speeds are advertised is to be regulated under a voluntary code published by Ofcom.

It wants companies to publish accurate estimates of the maximum connection speeds people can expect before they buy broadband packages.

Some 32 internet providers, covering more than 90% of UK broadband customers, have agreed to the code.

The media regulator also says customer internet satisfaction has fallen in the past year.

Ofcom is also undertaking what it says is the UK's "most authoritative and comprehensive broadband speed survey" to identify broadband performance across the country and its relationship to advertised speeds.

Code requirements

There are several steps that fixed-line internet service providers (ISPs) - ones that use cables - are required to take under the voluntary code.

These include

* providing customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed that the line can support, whether in a shop, over the internet or on the phone
* resolving technical issues to improve speed
* offering customers the choice to move onto a lower speed package when estimates given are inaccurate
* providing consumers with information on usage limits
* alerting customers when they have breached usage limits

Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards said: "Broadband is a thriving market in the UK. We want to encourage real clarity for consumers about the actual broadband speeds they can receive.

"This voluntary code is a significant step in this direction."

Ofcom has also previously reported that the geographical digital divide had been closed across the country, after its research found that homes in rural areas were more likely to have broadband than those in towns.

But a survey for BBC News suggested rural areas generally fared worse than towns, with telephone-line lengths and lack of access to cable being blamed.

smellslikeshoes

bealtine wrote: »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7437097.stm
* providing customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed that the line can support, whether in a shop, over the internet or on the phone

Ireland should definitely be following suite with this one, especially considering the general consensus here that our lines are especially poor.

cgarvey

All well and good, and a positive initiative, but how come the wireless & 3G providers (who are anecdotaly poorer) escaped?

bealtine

cgarvey wrote: »

All well and good, and a positive initiative, but how come the wireless & 3G providers (who are anecdotaly poorer) escaped?

Indeed, but at least they have made a start on the process.
Which is unlike the silence emanating from Comreg Towers..

watty

All ISPs here have been asked some months back by Comreg for figures of typical/average speeds per package at peak times.

Though how this is checked/ verified or to be calculated on a level playing field or what they may do with it beats me.