Broadband services 'set for shake-up'

The Advertising Standards Authority is set to announce a new consultation into broadband internet this week, in an effort to provide consumers with more accurate information.

Earlier this year, communications regulator Ofcom found the typical download speed was 5.2 Mb, almost one-quarter of the 20 Mb advertised by some providers.

While fibre optic broadband customers received faster average speeds, no one with traditional copper wire services was able to get marketed capacity levels, the organisation found.

In news that could benefit VoIP solutions users, the consultation will be open to the public and may result in businesses being able to access better services.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, stated: "We want Ofcom to implement a much clearer - and more prescriptive - marketing message policy for all broadband providers."

Earlier this month, the regulator called for price changes for broadband services in rural areas, with the body claiming it will encourage telecommunications firms to become more competitive.