Voluntary Broadband Speed Code of Practice Launched
9 Dec
Anyone who has done any research into broadband offers and deals will know that connection speed is a very important factor. For many it is the deciding factor between choosing between mobile broadband and wireless broadband (or, heaven help us, dial-up). You will also know that there is often quite a difference between the highest speed available on a tariff and the actual speed you are likely to receive.
Its a bit like those adverts that say that Product X will decrease the amount of germs by up to 99.9%. This is basically a convoluted way of saying that germs will be reduced by any amount (0.1% perhaps) but never totally. For this the possible percentage only goes up to 100% which would horrify the idiots who go on The Apprentice who never give less than 110%.
A new initiative has been launched which aims to give potential customers a clear picture of what speed they are likely to get on their telephone line. ISPs covering up to 95% of broadband users have signed the Code of Practice. They will be required to inform customers the maximum speed their phone line can carry as well as factors which may reduce this speed. The distance of the landline from the exchange for instance can have a significant impact on the speed of your connection. Those using wifi or wireless broadband can also be affected by the quality of their wireless router.
O2, AOL, BT Total, IDNet, TalkTalk, Nildram, Pipex, PlusNet, Sky, Virgin Media, Orange Home and Tiscali have all signed up so far. More info can be found on the Ofcom site.
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