Ofcom has introduced a voluntary code of practice for the way ISPs advertise broadband speeds.
Fixed-line ISPs will be required to provide customers with an accurate estimate of the speeds their line can support at the point of sale.
If estimates prove to be inaccurate, then the ISP will be beholden to resolve any technical issues that could affect the speed and offer the customer the choice to move onto a lower-speed package.
ISPs will also be required to provide clear information on usage limits and alert customers when they have breached them.
The regulations aren't enforceable in law but 32 ISPs in the UK have already agreed to voluntarily honour the agreement.
Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive, 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 noted that broadband customer satisfaction levels have dropped in recent times and has also committed itself to further research to understand the true speeds achieved on broadband connections in the UK.
The industry watchdog was recently criticised for claiming that the geographical 'digital divide' in the UK was closing, after it said that 59 per cent of homes in rural areas had broadband compared to 57 per cent in towns.
The issue of broadband speed advertising has long been a bone of contention for customers and ISPs alike, and the introduction of the code of practice comes after several high profile campaigns and calls to action from Ofcom's Consumer Panel.
www.ofcom.org.uk
Topic: Broadband speed code introduced (Read 475 times)