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More than 500 ISPs to choose from
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UK broadband a ‘success story’
Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
With more than 500 different providers to choose from and 99 per cent of the UK able to access a broadband line, UK broadband has been branded a “success story” by Ofcom (27-06-08).
In its annual report, published yesterday, the telecoms regulator said that headline broadband speeds had doubled in 12 months while prices had fallen by nearly 10 per cent.
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"Over half of all households have broadband from one of more than 500 different providers"
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However, it also revealed that “Some 10 per cent of all customer complaints in telecoms were where customers had experienced problems with changing broadband service”, with the most common complaints being “tagged lines” and problems with Migration Authorisation Codes (MAC).
Already this year Ofcom has introduced new guidelines to stop providers from hitting customers with “hidden charges” after they’ve signed up, and more recently, a voluntary broadband code of practice to stop ISPs “mis-selling” their broadband without making actual speeds clear to customers.
Outgoing chairman, Lord David Currie, said: “A majority of households have broadband connections with increasing speeds, falling prices and more widespread availability than any other major developed economy. The deployment of Edge, Wi-Fi and 3G mobile have fuelled the explosive growth of mobile broadband.”
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, added: “Over half of all households have broadband from one of more than 500 different providers. There are 22 million UK households with digital television, whether it is terrestrial through their aerials, satellite or cable. Today, there are more mobile phones than there are people in the UK, with services offered by five network operators and many more retail-only providers.
“Our research this year has highlighted how convergence is benefiting people, with the UK having some of the lowest average prices of communications services and bundled products offering significant discounts for consumers.”
Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “Bundling is a great way to save money on your home phone, digital TV and broadband service and you can now even get a discount on your mobile broadband or home broadband if you have a mobile phone with 3 (www.Three.co.uk) or O2 (www.O2.co.uk) respectively.
“With so many providers to choose from today, it makes sense to do a comprehensive broadband search,” advised Phillips. “Don’t just go with whoever provides your phone line, or your dial-up connection; do you research and make sure that you get the best value - including reliable customer services - not just the cheapest headline rate.”
Related article - Digital TV and broadband bundles.
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