Broadband Speeds Are Slower Than Advertised: Are you Paying for a "Fast Speed"?

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A group of 50MPs have said that the way broadband speeds are advertised is misleading and should be changed. 

It's hard to miss internet providers' broadband adverts that showcase super fast speeds at a low costs, however only 10% of customers can obtain the fastest advertised speed. The British Infrastructure Group want greater powers to enable consumers and businesses to hold providers to account. 

The Advertising Standards Authority, who deal with all advertising complains, are aware of the concerns and would consider taking further action they said in a recent statement. 

The British Infrastructure Group said in a statement: "Our position on broadband speed claims in ads is based on extensive work undertaken in recent years, including a full public consultation on new guidance."

The group was set up by former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps, who said consumers had "very few rights and protections" they can turn to if they are poorly treated by their internet service provider.

"Consumers must be given the power to hold their internet service provider to account when they let them down or outright mislead them into signing a contract that makes promises that bear no resemblance to the later reality. Consumers also need the power to leave contracts if they are found to have been misled."

It was found that other industries are forced to compensate customers for errors, including airlines and banks, and there's no reason why internet providers should be exempt. 

The group highlighted that there was no minimum level of compensation if customers received a poor service. Ofcom has asked fixed-line internet service providers to sign up to a voluntary code of practice, which requires them to provide consumers with more information and advice on maximum broadband speeds - but the key work is voluntary. It will be interesting to see if the British Infrastructure Group can turn that into a mandatory sign-up.

Are you are business own who feels that you're not getting the best broadband deal? Get in touch with 360ict to enjoy reliable, effective email and internet connectivity with secure cloud server rental available to give you 24-hour access and uptime.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

All I Want for Christmas is…. Faster Broadband

Image credit: The Inquirer

Ofcom, the UK's communications watchdog, have released a Wi-Fi checker application that can help broadband customers keep their Wi-Fi running at high speeds at home and in the office. The app, which works by sampling wireless signals to see if data is flowing without interruption, provides tips to help people spot what's slowing down their internet. 

The Wi-Fi can be slowed down by anything: from lamps and kitchen equipment to baby monitors, you name it and it could affect it. However it may surprise you that the number one item that's slowing down everyones Wi-Fi this Christmas is fairy lights. BUT if your router is far enough away from the electronics and up high, your Wi-Fi may remain unhindered. 

Ofcom's report suggests that the Wi-Fi in nearly six million homes and offices are not running as fast as it could be. It also said that 27% of homes in the UK have broadband connections with download speeds of at least 30Mbps, however, rural areas are still lagging behind, with only every 4 in 10 having decent connection speeds. Ofcom said:

"Ofcom has identified challenges in improving coverage across the UK. Around 8 per cent of UK homes – around 2.4 million – are currently unable to receive broadband speeds of 10 Mbit/s or above.

This jumps to around half (48 per cent, or 1.5 million) in rural areas, where speeds are often affected by premises lying further from the network’s local street cabinet or local telephone exchange."

Small businesses are also struggling to gain high-speed broadband connections. Around 130,000 SMEs are persevering on download speeds of below 10Mbit/s, according to Ofcom.

Are you struggling with your broadband? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your company’s communication systems. Communication technologies can be complex, but broadband internet gives you high-value, low-cost options if the right package is successfully installed and maintained, get in touch with 360ict today for more information.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website.