UK internet users are achieving anaverage broadband speedof just 3.6 megabits
per second - well below advertised figures - according to
astudy fromOfcom
, the regulator for the UK communications industries.
Ofcom ran 7,000 tests through monitoring units connected to
1,500 homes' broadband routers, resulting in more than 10 million
separate tests of a range of suppliers' servicesover a 30-day
period
The regulator said the speeds achieved were significantly below
advertised headline speeds. Among consumers on the most popular "up
to 8mbps" package (which over 60% of UK broadband consumers
subscribe to), one in five subscribers receives an average speed of
less than 2mbps and on average the actual speed consumers receive
is 45% of the advertised headline speed.
The
Communications Consumer Panel, said, "The research reveals a
headline speed out-of-touch with the real-world speed experienced
by consumers. We expect industry to react to these findings
positively, and change their information provision
accordingly."
Ofcom is attempting to improve transparency in broadband pricing
in the UK. Last month it introduced a code of practice for ISPs.
More than 50 UK internet service providers have signed up to the
code,which aims to provide internet users with accurate estimates
of the speed of their internet service.
Along with informing customersof the minimum and maximum speed
they will obtain from the servicebefore they buy, ISPs who have
signed up have also agreed to explain fair usage policies clearly
and alert consumers when these policies have been breached.