Ofcom’s inaction on what is otherwise a confusing and troubling issue for consumers (misleading claims regarding broadband speeds) will certainly come under increasing scrutiny with the launch of the Crystal Clear Broadband Campaign and related petition aimed at No. 10 Downing Street. As of today, the petition has about 2500 signatures.

The Crystal Clear petition says:

“Ofcom currently permits ISPs to advertise theoretical ‘maximum rates’ for broadband connection, with most ISPs burying in the small print the condition that consumers can only expect speeds ‘up to’ this maximum. No information is available on what consumers can expect in practice, despite ISPs having access to tests that would give a much clearer idea of potential speeds to a household, based on distance from the local telephone exchange. We think Ofcom should oblige ISPs to provide clear information about the actual speed they are likely to receive in the form of a ‘typical rate’, much like that published by credit card and loan providers. This information should be made clear prior to subscription. Ofcom should introduce an independent broadband speed testing service for consumers, so that they can compare advertised maximum rates against actual speed. We want Crystal Clear Broadband contracts for UK consumers.”

My take: Fantastic! This campaign follows thousands upon thousands of tests which demonstrate that broadband speeds in the UK are much slower than the headlines and adverts. One additional element should considered as well: Not only should broadband providers accurately disclose broadband download speed estimates, but Ofcom should undertake periodic empirical testing. The regulator has the resources to give a more accurate picture than these consumer-oriented broadband speed tests we always read about. Ofcom should stop issuing reports that use misleading industry-inflated download speeds — otherwise Parliament and the public are not getting the truth about broadband. Ofcom prides itself on its evidence-based approach to regulation. Here’s the opportunity to prove it.

By the way, I tested my broadband connection this morning and it was 13% of what Ofcom calls the headline speed.

– Sign the Crystal Clear broadband petition here.

– Conduct your own speed test here (remember to wear a safety belt!) or here.

– OW’s previous posts on this issue: (1) ‘Make sure it’s fast enough’, BT say. (2) Ofcom and broadband (3) Ofcom finally caught-out on inflated broadband speed claims (4) Moneysupermarket News slams Ofcom over inaction on broadband speeds.