Broadband firms must now make prices clear

NEW rules forcing broadband suppliers to make their adverts clearer have come into force.

Firms can no longer separate the line rental and monthly cost of an internet connection, under changes brought in by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The ASA also wants suppliers to make sure adverts give greater prominence to the length of contracts, prices after any initial discount has ended and up-front costs such as installation or activation fees.

Guy Parker, ASA chief executive, said: “Broadband is a service we all take for granted. That’s why some people can get frustrated when they sign up to a package after seeing an ad, only to find their bills are higher than expected.

“Our research found people are likely to be confused and misled by the fixed broadband price claims in ads they see and we’ve responded by tightening our approach.

“From today, we expect to see a change in how broadband providers advertise their prices. The effect should be a real positive difference in how consumers understand and engage with ads for broadband services.” DRUIDS gathered yesterday to stage a Pagan ritual ahead of Hallowe’en. High Priestess Siusaidh Ceanadach, left, and Priestess Vicki McFall led the way in the Pagan festival of Samhain at Pollok Park, Glasgow.

Ms Ceanadach, of the Druidcraft group Tuatha de Bridget, said: “This is the darkest time of the year as the veil between this world and the next is very thin.

“People thought you could see ghosts and that’s how the business of guising came about as they disguised themselves so the bad spirits could not recognise them.

“Guising has been on the go in Scotland since Celtic times and long before Trick or Treat started in America.” As well as remembering their loved ones who have died, the Druids woke the Cailleach, the old goddess of winter. Picture: Jamie Simpson