New rules unveiled by the Ofcom backed code of practice will mean that in future customers will be better informed about the speed of their internet connection. Already many Net firms have pledged to honor the new rules about line speeds which can only be good news for consumers.
Although the scheme is voluntary, 95% of the UK’s Net firms have agreed to join and give more information about line speeds. The scheme, which has just started, will be monitored over the next six months to determine its success and to see if the firms stick to their promises.
The rules come after the confusion surrounding advertised line speeds and the reality customers faced once they’d signed up to a deal. Many customers complained that they were not happy with their connection speed with as many as a quarter claiming they did not get the speed they expected. A report due in 2009 will detail all the findings that prompted this new code of conduct.
There are several key promises within the code including requirements for realistic and accurate maximum speed estimates for all new customers, advice on overcoming slow connection speeds and compensation for customers who do not get the speeds they are told they will get.
Ofcom has put a list of companies signed up to the agreement on its website. It is hoped the scheme will improve the service that providers give while at the same time making it easier for customers to see what they can expect when they sign up to a deal.
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