Ofcom warns on broadband speed advert claims

The Internet speeds promised by UK broadband providers are diverging further from the reality that their services deliver to the average customer, according to a study by Ofcom.

The media and communications regulator found that although the average UK broadband speed increased by 10 per cent to 6.8 megabits per second between December 2010 and May 2011, the gap between advertised and actual speeds widened. It said average speeds were 8.2 Mbps lower than the 15 Mbps average maximum advertised during the period, compared with 7.6 Mbps lower six months earlier. Consumer Focus, the consumer advocacy group, said the trend was “worrying.”