Consumers less likely to receive high broadband speeds

Only four per cent of "super fast" 16Mb broadband users actually receive their advertised speed or higher, analysts Point Topic have claimed.

Customers on an up to 8Mb package - the UK?s most popular speed - experienced a similar story as only 15 per cent got the marketed figure.

In contrast, 72 per cent of 512Kb customers received their advertised connection speed.

Pamela Varley, research analyst at Point Topic, argued that consumers are confused by the multiple factors that determine their actual speed of their broadband connection.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, added, "Although most people know that they?re unlikely to ever get their top, advertised speed without living right next to the exchange, ISPs - and especially the 'big six' need to be more realistic with their customers."

Sky Broadband ranked highest in Point Topic's survey of the 'big six' Internet Service Providers, with 57.5 per cent of customers on a package of greater than 2Mb receiving their advertised speed.

Orange came bottom with only 40.7 per cent of broadband users on more than 2Mb getting that figure.