More speed transparency set for broadband ISPs

Internet service providers (ISPs) are likely to face regulations in 2008 on their advertising of broadband speeds, according to industry commentators.

Making predictions for the New Year, IT website Web User suggested that industry regulator Ofcom will no longer be able to put off bringing in measures to make sure firms do not mislead consumers over their likely connection speeds.

"As a result, advertising will cease to focus so much on how fast a service is, but the quality of the different elements of the service. We'll see more bundled services and hopefully, lower prices," the website said.

This follows growing resentment among broadband users that their service is much slower than they had been led to believe, which is only exacerbated when they find it a difficult issue to resolve due to the complex interlinking of services.

However, a reliable broadband line is necessary for consumers to enjoy the benefits of free calls over the internet via VoIP telephony services, as otherwise the service will be jumpy due to the poor connection.