William Eichler 04 May 2017

Consultation launched to reform ‘misleading’ broadband speed claims

Council leaders have welcomed the launch of a consultation aimed at creating tougher standards for advertising broadband speed claims.

The current advertising standards permit headline speed claims that are achievable by at least 10% of customers, where they are preceded with the words ‘up to’.

However, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) found that many people are unclear on what speed they would likely achieve based on the ads they viewed.

CAP’s consultation will ask people to consider different options to strengthen the standards around broadband speed claims.

These options include speed claims based on the: peak-time median download speed; 24-hour national median download speed; range of peak-time download speeds available to the 20th to 80th percentile of users; range of 24-hour national download speeds available to the 20th to 80th percentile of users.

Responding to the consultation launch, Cllr Gillian Brown, vice chair of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said: ‘We are pleased that the CAP is acting on LGA calls for greater transparency around broadband speeds and fully support proposals for tougher standards around the advertising of download speeds.

‘Good digital connectivity is a vital element of everyday life for residents and can help them cut household bills, shop online for cheaper goods, stay in touch with distant relatives, access their bank accounts and even run their own businesses.

‘As central and local government services increasingly become “digital by default”, more people will need to have faster and more reliable speeds.

‘In its current form, the headline “up to” download speed, which can be advertised legally, is misleading and does not reflect the reality of broadband service received across the country.

‘Broadband users deserve greater honesty and openness about the download and upload speeds they are likely to receive depending on their location.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner