Computeractive Crystal Clear Broadband Campaign
Computeractive has launched a national campaign calling for consumers to get a fairer deal on broadband.
Computeractive magazine, the UK’s best selling home computing title, have launched the Crystal Clear Broadband campaign in partnership with broadband comparison service BroadbandChoices.co.uk and web advice portal Thinkbroadband.com. The campaign aims to challenge the communications regulator Ofcom and the broadband industry to improve clarity in broadband contracts for UK internet users.
A national survey of the actual performance of Computeractive readers’ broadband connections, which involved more than 180,000 separate speed tests, revealed that 62 per cent were consistently receiving less than 50 per cent of the advertised speed they signed up to.
The key aims of the Crystal Clear Broadband campaign are:
- To lobby Ofcom to oblige ISPs to provide clear information about the actual speed customers are likely to receive in the form of a 'typical rate', much like that published by credit card and loan providers
- To ensure that ISPs are required to provide this information clearly before the consumer commits to the contract
- To encourage Ofcom to provide an independent speed testing service for consumers, so they can compare advertised maximum rates against actual speed
“Ofcom currently permits ISPs to advertise only theoretical maximum rates for broadband connections, with most ISPs including the caveat that consumers can only expect speeds 'up to' this maximum,” said Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive. “No information is available on what consumers can expect in practice, despite providers having access to tests that would give a much clearer idea of potential speeds. We think Ofcom should act to protect the rights of consumers in the broadband market.”
A survey of Computeractive's readership revealed a high level of concern among consumers about how ISPs are allowed to advertise. 53 per cent of respondents didn’t know that ISPs aren’t contractually obliged to provide a minimum service rate. 95 per cent called for the Government to ensure that ISPs are clear about the actual speeds consumers can expect to receive.
OrangeProblems.co.uk offers a service to all members allowing the recording of broadband speeds - no matter which ISP is used. If you would like to use this service, click here to find out more about OrangeProblems.co.uk Broadband Speed Survey.
OrangeProblems.co.uk publishes speed data relevant to regions and areas allowing users to compare their speeds with others in their region or area.
Additional information about the Crystal Clear Broadband campaign can be found at www.computeractive.co.uk/campaign.
If you would like to sign the Crystal Clear petition on unfair broadband deals on Number 10s website, click here.
