A new voluntary code of practice for the advertising of broadband speeds by internet service providers (ISPs), put together by telecommunications regulator Ofcom, has been welcomed by a technology news provider.

However, Mark Jackson, editor-in-chief of ISPreview.co.uk, qualified his enthusiasm for the initiative by saying that it "lacks teeth".

"We welcome Ofcom's move to nudge ISPs towards a greater degree of honesty, although it's not entirely clear what happens when a member ISP fails to keep up its end; a lack of teeth to the agreement threatens its effectiveness," he continued.

Mr Jackson went on to say some ISPs promote their services by saying the headline rate is what a customer can expect to achieve, which is misleading.

He added that the code of practice focuses on line speed, which is not the best way of measuring ISP performance.

Ofcom's new voluntary code of practice for the advertising of broadband speeds includes features such as providing customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed the line can support and ensuring all sales and promotion staff have a proper understanding of the products they are selling.


© Adfero Ltd