Internet firms must reveal how fast they really are

BROADBAND firms are to end the scandal of misleading speed claims that have infuriated millions of customers.

Companies such as BT, Sky, Virgin and TalkTalk, have advertised apparently impressive ‘up to’ broadband speeds. However, these were based on the service delivered to as few as one in ten households.

Most customers were receiving much slower speeds – with the result that access to the internet and pay TV was slow or failed completely.

Under a code that comes into effect today, providers will have to spell out the real download speeds that customers will get at peak periods.

For households, that will be between 8pm and 10pm, and for businesses it will be from noon to 2pm. Providers will also have to state expected minimum speeds.

Where a firm fails to deliver this minimum, it will have one month to remedy this before the customer is allowed to leave without penalty.

Lindsey Fussell of regulator Ofcom said: ‘These protections mean broadband shoppers can buy with confidence.’