Ofcom introduces new code of practice to enable consumers to transfer ISP without penalty if actual Internet access speeds are significantly less than the advertised speeds

Ofcom – the communications regulator – has introduced a new code of practice that gives consumers the right to transfer away from an Internet service provider without penalty if the Internet access speeds are significantly below the estimate given at the point of sale and the ISP is unable to fix the problem. The code of practice if voluntary but the biggest three ISPs have promised to sign up to it. Ofcom wants to see ISPs advertise the typical speed range as well as the ‘up to’ speeds that may be attained. Ofcom is concerned that the gap between the TSR and advertised speeds has widened as the increases in the advertised speeds have been faster than the corresponding increases in the TSRs.

The code of practice can be found here: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/codes-of-practice/broadband-speeds-cop-2010/code-of-practice/.