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Call for code to cover more
broadband connections

Calls to extend Ofcom code of practice

Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Senior figures have been calling for Ofcom’s new voluntary broadband code of practice to be extended to mobile broadband providers (09-06-08).

More than 30 ISPs, including the “big six”, have already signed up to the code, which was launched last week with the intent to stop providers from mis-selling the speed of their broadband packages.

"The same principles of clear and accurate advertising should apply [to mobile broadband]"

However, amid doubts surrounding the code’s effectiveness, were calls to extend it to cover the increasingly-popular mobile internet packages too.

“We welcome the voluntary code for fixed-line broadband,” Kevin Russell, chief executive of mobile network 3 (www.Three.co.uk) told The Guardian. “However, thousands sign up each week to enjoy the advantages of mobile broadband. The same principles of clear and accurate advertising should apply.”

Earlier this year 3 lodged a complaint about the way that rival mobile broadband provider Vodafone (www.Vodafone.co.uk) was advertising its packages as “up to 7.2Mb” when this is in fact a rarely - if ever - achievable theoretical maximum that is currently only available in London and major UK airports.

3’s network - which it shares with T-Mobile (www.T-Mobile.co.uk) - carries a theoretical maximum of 3.6Mb but because it is almost impossible for customers to get this speed, 3 and T-Mobile advertise their packages as “up to 2.8Mb”.

The Internet Service Providers’ Association echoed 3’s call for the code to be extended. “The ISPA would like to see the code of practice extended to include wireless mobile operators that provide broadband over their networks as well as fixed line broadband providers, to ensure minimal confusion to consumers,” it said in a statement.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “The rate at which mobile broadband has grown over the past year has been phenomenal.

“Although additional speed issues such as the fact that users will clearly move through regions with both better and worse connectivity would have to be taken into account, Ofcom’s new code of practice should definitely be extended to include mobile operators in order to offer the greatest clarity for consumers.”

Install our free Speed Tester to see how your provider performs.

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3 people have commented on Calls to extend Ofcom code of practice.

  1. I am with Talktalk for my phone & Internet, when I joined I was informed that I would get my Internet free after the first 3 months, I have been with them for about 2 years now I keep asking why I still have to pay £10 per Month & I keep getting informed that it is because they have not been abl;e gain access to connect to my local BT exchange? could explain this to me.
    - Paul Stone, Duxford, Cambridge, Jun 11 2008 10:48PMPost a comment | Report Abuse
     
  2. I think that in addition to not being able to advertise with the "up to 8Mb" wording, then ISPs should be compelled to use a realistic sliding scale of charges dependent on what a customer is able to use. For instance I get about 600Kb on average yet I still pay the same as people who get much higher, which of course includes 8Mb wherever it is that it is abtainable. If this were the case, then ISPs would have to take steps to improve speed rates in order to achieve more income. I have asked BT to improve my line/exchange many times, but all they will say is "thats all you get - take it or leave it". Is really daylight robbery !
    - Anonymous, Barrow Upon Soar - England, Jun 11 2008 1:37PMPost a comment | Report Abuse
     
  3. The current code of practices are not being enforced by Ofcom so what will more unforcible codes achieve?
    As a consumer I cannot take an ISP to court for failing to comply with a code of practice, only the regulator can do this and to date Ofcom have failed to enforce these.
    - Jason Crowley, UK, Jun 11 2008 12:27PMPost a comment | Report Abuse
     
 
 
Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 11-Jun-08