UK internet users are being misled by the connection speeds advised by broadband providers, it is claimed.

William Harvey, technical director of broadband-expert.co.uk, told Computerweekly.com that broadband providers are inflating the connection speeds their services offer despite pressure from Ofcom and various consumer groups to ensure that consumers from being misled.

His comments come as research carried out by the broadband comparison website in January found that the average connection speed in the UK is 2.95 megabytes per second when used for downloading internet content such as emails, web pages, music and videos.

Despite some advertisement campaigns from broadband providers suggesting download speeds of up to eight megabytes per second, the highest average was found to be 6.07 and the lowest 1.72.

Commenting on the latter figure, Mr Harvey said: "That is not superfast by any stretch of the imagination."

New WiMax wireless broadband technology could become highly popular, offering a connection within three miles or more compared to the 100 feet typically provided by a current WiFi wireless connection, TelecomMarketing.com has suggested.

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