"Ofcom has set out new guidelines for ISPs, as the regulator published research showing the gap between advertised broadband speeds and real speeds is widening.
The regulator's revised Code of Practice, announced on Tuesday, calls for greater consistency and accuracy of information on the speeds available to end users. Ofcom will require ISPs to give their customers a range of achievable speeds, rather than the 'up to' maximum speed that is currently advertised.
Consumers will be able to leave their contracts without penalty if their maximum line speed is significantly below the bottom of their quoted range and the ISP is unable to solve the problem. The estimated maximum line speed must be given to the customer early in the sales process, as will clear written information detailing the ISP's fair usage and traffic management policies.
The Code of Practice is voluntary, but Ofcom says that all major ISPs have signed up."
Full article here:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2010/07/27/ofcom-tightens-broadband-advertising-rules-40089658/