The issue of  actual broadband speeds once again came on the surface, when Colette Bowe, Chairman of the Ofcom Consumer Panel has instructed the six leading Service Providers of the UK to take effective steps so that the consumer will get clear information over what actual connection they will get. Ever since broadband and the speeds it offers is gaining great popularity, it has become a fact that more than 80 percent of new internet connections are contributed by broadband which in a way indicates that the new technology is clearly replacing the old, traditional dial-up connections.  This led to the present situation where all ISPs in the UK indulge in advert war with one another with an aim to beat one another in terms of connection speeds.

Unfortunately, there is a visible difference between the speed that the ISPs advertise and the actual speed that a consumer really gets. The word ‘up to ‘ is often misleading and does not clearly say what speed that a user will actually receive. For instance, Be offers up to 24 meg speed to their Be Unlimited and Be Pro customers. However, this is only the maximum speed and the ISP does not guarantee it. What all it says is the actual speed depends on the distance between the cabinet/exchange and your premises. This is what other ISPs say too, as far as the connection speed is concerned.

In this regard, what Colette Bowe says carries much relevance. She says:
“we believe that broadband customers are not at the moment getting enough information. We are of course aware of the technical reasons for the “up to” terminology that you use. I would however like to have your views about how these technical issues might be better addressed in terms of giving clearer information to potential customers.”

Any customers who go for broadband packages should be provided with all relevant information about their technical details as well as the factors that affect the performance of the products they buy. The Consumer Panel of Ofcom has suggested a few sales practices to the ISPs so that the consumers will not be disappointed with the broadband service.