Broadband connections fail to deliver promised speeds

Consumers are still receiving broadband connection speeds far below that advertised by internet service providers (ISPs), according to a new study.

Research performed by broadband-expert.co.uk in February and March found that only 42 per cent of customers received the maximum speed promoted by ISPs.

Consumers on a 16Mb+ broadband package typically received only a connection speed of 8.6Mb, around half the advertised figure, while those on 8Mb deals fared little better as they achieved 3.4Mb or 43 per cent.

The best value for money broadband package proved to be 2Mb, which achieved on average 1.8Mb or 88 per cent of the maximum speed listed by ISPs.

Which? technology editor Matthew Bath urged ISPs to market their products more accurately so that consumers can make an informed choice.

"We are calling on broadband providers to deliver clear, transparent advertising of broadband speeds rather than a vague 'up to' maximum, so consumers can be sure they are getting the service they are paying for," he said.