Broadband speed estimates may boost VoIP phones

The performance of VoIP solutions in the UK could benefit from a crackdown for internet service providers on broadband speeds.

According to research from Ofcom, three-quarters of its mystery shoppers were not informed that actual broadband speed was likely to be below the maximum speed when subscribing to a provider.

The independent telecommunications regulator is now proposing to tighten its voluntary code of practice on broadband speeds, which could help consumers choose a connection that can reliably support VoIP traffic.

Ed Richards, chief executive at Ofcom, said: "We will work with the internet service providers to ensure consumers receive the best quality information and amend the existing code accordingly."

Ofcom may now explore whether to add a provision to the code that enables customers to break their contracts without penalty if the speed they receive is much lower than the estimate given at sale.

Adoption of advanced IP telephony solutions in the UK could rise in 2010 as access to faster broadband will increase.

BT announced last week that its next-generation broadband network should be available to more than 16 million UK homes and businesses by the end of the year, ISPreview UK reported.