Broadband ‘50% slower than it is advertised’

HOUSEHOLDS are paying for broadband that is on average 50 per cent slower than the ‘up to’ speeds advertised.

The findings by consumer group Which? are based on data from 235,000 uses of its broadband speed checker tool.

Rules are being introduced next week which will change the way internet companies are allowed to advertise.

Previously, they could promote an ‘up to’ speed if just 10 per cent of customers can get it.

But under a new regime, introduced by the Advertising Standards Authority, broadband firms will have to include an average speed for the service available to at least 50 per cent of households at peak times. This will give a more accurate picture.

Which? found the average speed customers were paying for was up to 38 megabits per second (Mbps), but they were actually receiving half that at 19Mbps.

Spokesman Alex Neill said: ‘We know speed and reliability of service really matter to customers and we will be keeping a close eye on providers to make sure they follow the new rules.’

More than half of households experienced broadband problems last year.