ISP broadband speed advertising 'not misleading'

The way internet service providers (ISP) market broadband packages as 'up to' to certain speeds means it would be "unfair to call it misleading", an expert claims.

Speed tests recently published by Broadband Genie revealed that just 45.8 per cent of UK broadband consumers actually receive the speeds advertised in the package they are paying for.

However, website editor Chris Marling explained that the way ISPs advertise rates as 'up to' a certain speed means "it would be unfair to call it misleading", as users do actually receive what is being sold.

He also pointed out the average download speeds are often so low because of the effect of "peak" times when the service is overloaded.

"When a lot of people are using the lines, they are getting nowhere near the kind of speeds [that are advertised]," Mr Marling said.

"Obviously they are called peak times for a reason - a lot of people are trying to get online - so people are getting nowhere near those advertised speeds."

In other news, research commissioned by campaigning group Consumer Focus has revealed that broadband is becoming an essential tool for British people, but many still struggle to afford the equipment and subscription fees.