Need broadband? Ready to switch? Get fair, unbiased advice in a language you understand so you make the right choice.
Ofcom reports on consumer experience
(22-11-07) - The Ofcom Consumer Panel (OCP), which advises the regulator itself, has called on Ofcom to focus on three main areas in 2008.
Colette Bowe, chairman of the OCP, said that Ofcom needs to concentrate on children's media literacy, issues surrounding advertised broadband speeds, and making the internet accessible - and beneficial - to all.
She said: "We believe that Ofcom should create a Children's Panel to provide a strategic overview of all of Ofcom's work that is currently undertaken in relation to children's issues, which relate to access, protection and parental responsibility."
The second recommended point of focus for Ed Richards, the regulator's chief executive, has been much in the news this year, with consumers becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the chasm between the speeds they believe they're paying for and what they actually get.
"We hope that Ofcom will closely monitor this to see whether the industry adequately addresses these issues; and if this does not happen, to consider how Ofcom and others should respond in order to ensure the provision of clear information for consumers of broadband services," said Ms Bowe.
Although she welcomed a possible Universal Service Obligation for broadband, Ms Bowe said that the regulator could go further still to ensure accessibility and reliability for all. "Ofcom should be identifying how we can ensure significantly higher internet speeds are delivered to all so the internet's economic and social benefits are maximised."
While Ms Bowe welcomed considerations for a universal service obligation for broadband, she said that Ofcom should aim for more than just minimum speed recommendations.
"Ofcom should be identifying how we can ensure significantly higher internet speeds are delivered to all so the internet's economic and social benefits are maximised."
While many have cited the rollout of BT's 21st Century Network as a solution to the digital divide, Ms Bowe expressed concerns that it could in fact make things worse.
"We think there is an opportunity to reduce significantly disparities between rural and urban areas," she said. "There is a good case for saying that this new generation of faster internet access should be provided first to the rural communities that currently receive the sparsest and slowest coverage, because these are parts of the country where the public value of such a network is greatest."
However, Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said that this would be unlikely.
"Because of the relatively small numbers of people connected to rural exchanges, it doesn't make economic sense to roll out faster speeds in thses areas first.
"This means that it will remain difficult for Ofcom to complete the necessary task of setting standard service levels, and minimum broadband speeds, across the country," he added.
The panel also called on Ofcom to consider harsher punishments for ISPs who do not deliver adequate service levels - echoing the EU commissioner Viviane Reding's comments to national regulators across the bloc last week.
contact us 
