ISPs Broadened the Gap Between Real-life and Advertised Broadband Speeds in 2010

The gap between real-life and advertised broadband speeds broadened last year with consumers receiving only 44% of the speed advertised by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in 2010. This is compared to 46% in 2009.

The evidence comes from 105,744 UK speed tests results generated on the www.broadband-expert.co.uk website.

Worst offender

The worst offender among the ISPs was Sky, which managed to provide only 35% of its promised broadband speed to internet users.

Over-promising leads to greater disparity in 2010

Rob Webber, commercial director at Broadband Expert, says: “What is surprising is that average broadband speed actually increased marginally in 2010 compared to the year before. However, the ISPs ruined their chances of improving their reputation by upping their advertised figures. It’ll do nothing to improve trust between the industry and consumers.”

Table of results

Data for 2010 showing % of expected – or advertised – speed received.