New powers open way for Ofcom to set minimum broadband speeds

Internet service providers (ISPs) could eventually be forced by Ofcom to set a minimum broadband speed for their customers.

Under new consumer protection powers that the communications regulator is expecting to be granted by Parliament later this month, Ofcom said it was examining ways of increasing consumer protection, which included the issue of net neutrality.

Net neutrality is a principle that would stop ISPs from offering a superior service to customers or websites that pay extra. And Ofcom said to ensure all consumers get a fair service it was considering setting a "minimum broadband quality of service... [that] could be a minimum broadband speed".

A minimum 2Mbits/sec speed for the whole of the UK has been pushed by the Government over the past two years.

Ofcom will also examine ISPs' traffic management policies to see if these should be made clearer to consumers.

"It's too early to say at the moment if this will lead to a minimum speed or what else will happen but it has been discussed with the industry. We began a consultation last year and will be publishing our report in the summer," an Ofcom representative told us.

Other new powers Ofcom expects to get include the ability to fine a company as soon as a breach is discovered. Currently if a company is found to have breached Ofcom's rules it is given a month to address the problem.

Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive said: "These revised rules will increase consumer protection and enable Ofcom to take stronger action to deal with companies that do not comply with regulations.

"This is a welcome step forward in ensuring that if companies do mislead consumers then we are able to offer effective protection."