Broadband News

Calls to extend Ofcom code of practice

Monday, 09 June 2008

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

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Senior figures have been calling for Ofcom’s new voluntary broadband code of practice to be extended to mobile broadband providers.

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.

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.”

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