Communications industry regulator Ofcom is threatening
broadband providers with penalties if they do not act on
promisedbroadband speeds.
The Ofcom consumer panel wrote to Ofcom chief executive Ed
Richards about customer complaints about not getting anything near
promised
maximum broadband speeds from providers.
Richards has responded to their concerns by letter and has said
Ofcom will act in the new year with a set of proposals. He said
formal action against providers was a possibility.
He said, "We believe that consumers should have access to
accurate information so that they can make an informed decision and
sign up to the most appropriate broadband package available."
Ofcom is considering making ISPs provide consumer specific
information prior to sale on the
estimated maximum speed on a customer's access line, and
providing consumers with data early within the contract period on
the actual maximum speed being achieved.
Such information could then be used by customers to move to
another provider if required, without penalty, said Richards.
He added, "At this stage, we have not ruled out the possibility
of using formal powers if we consider it would be more effective in
delivering our objectives."