Government passes buck on broadband shortfall

The Government has refused to take action over misleading broadband speeds after more than 11,000 people signed a petition urging it do so.

The petition, which was started by Computeractive as part of its Crystal Clear Broadband campaign, was signed by 11,185 people.

It urged the Prime Minister to instruct Ofcom to force ISPs to advertise a typical rate for broadband subscriptions, not just a theoretical 'maximum' rate.

But in a statement sent to all those who signed the petition, Downing Street refused to comment directly on the issue:

"Ofcom has expressed concern to the Advertising Standards Authority, and is in discussion with industry and consumer organisations to look into the other options that might be available to provide greater clarity for consumers and reduce the possibility of them being misled.

"Ofcom's work in the area will include new research on comparing quality across ISPs, which will add to existing sources and will consider a range of possible measures, including different ways to improve the information available to consumers at point of sale and in advance of purchase decisions," the statement concluded.

Michael Phillips of broadband comparison service Broadband Choices, which supported the campaign, said: "The point of Downing Street petitions is to give the public a voice beyond the 'normal channels' of consultation. It defies belief that the Government has deferred the issue back to the ASA and Ofcom when
the issue has been lodged there already. This is an industry-wide problem that requires government level intervention."

Andrew Ferguson of independent broadband advice website Think Broadband said the Government had failed consumers.

"It would seem that consumers are once more left to do the leg work in comparing advertising and deciphering what is a highly technical area. The Government is happy with the status quo that leaves consumers confused", he said.

See also:

BT: public frustrated by broadband speeds

Service providers should give clear information about actual connection speeds, firm says  14 Mar 2008

Broadband speeds still a problem

"Up to" clause to blame, says O2  25 Jan 2008

Ofcom panel wants broadband code of practice

Computeractive's Crystal Clear Broadband campaign hits home  19 Dec 2007

Brits big on broadband

But scare stories and cloudy speed claims are putting people off  22 Nov 2007

UK's broadband falls behind

Experts fear consumers will be sidelined as digital innovation evolves  21 Nov 2007

O2 praises Crystal Clear broadband campaign

Says its new service will "be a breath of fresh air... with no broken promises”  12 Oct 2007

Ofcom sees sense in Crystal Clear campaign

Regulator writes to ISPs asking for more transparent broadband contracts  10 Oct 2007

MPs add their voice to Computeractive's broadband campaign

Widening support for calls for ISPs to give clearer advice and information on broadband speeds  28 Sep 2007

Ofcom reviews future of next-generation broadband

Regulator says measures will be needed to ensure fairness for consumers and investors in new infrastructure  26 Sep 2007

Readers respond to Computeractive's broadband campaign

The public feels ISPs are not being clear about the performance of broadband services  19 Sep 2007

Time for clarity in broadband contracts

Join Computeractive's campaign to press the Government for an honest deal on broadband speeds  19 Sep 2007

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