Business broadband providers 'should advertise real speeds'

Companies around the UK that provide business broadband should be made to advertise the average speed they offer to users rather than a headline rate.

Michael Phillips, product director at comparison site BroadbandChoices.co.uk, explained the business has been arguing since 2007 on this subject.

He compared the situation to banks, which are made to promote loans using the typical repayment rate available to at least two-thirds of people.

"It has always been an arms race of who can announce the fastest speeds, rather than advertising the speeds you're likely to get. There is this problem where they are overpromising and under-delivering," Mr Phillips stated.

The expert added that it is possible for firms to work out the average speed of their business broadband and use it to provide a more accurate assessment of their service.

Consumers in London were this week given a boost when O2 announced it is launching Europe's largest free Wi-Fi hub in the capital, providing a new internet link for permanent and mobile users.