The communications regulator Ofcom has published a voluntary code of practice for broadband providers in order to ensure greater clarity for consumers

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has recently published a voluntary code of practice for broadband providers to sign up to. The code of practice is designed to encourage providers to give consumers greater clarity over broadband line speeds. This will enable consumers to be more aware of the speeds that they are getting, and will help them to ensure that they are on the most suitable package for their needs.

Over thirty Internet Service Providers have already signed up to the voluntary code of practice, and have agreed to ensure that greater clarity and transparency is provided to users over their broadband line speeds. This came after Ofcom expressed concerns that consumers were being misled because they were getting speeds that were way lower than those advertised by their ISP.

There are a number of regulations that must be followed by those that sign up to the code, and this includes informing consumers of the maximum speeds available on packages at the point of sale, ensuring that sales and customers service employees are properly trained and have the necessary knowledge to provide information to the consumer, and providing consumers with details relating to fair usage policies as well as informing them if they breach the limits.

An official from Ofcom said that the voluntary code of practice was a move in the right direction for the broadband industry, stating: “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.”