Warning to broadband firms over connection speeds

BROADBAND firms must give would-be customers clearer information about connection speeds, a consumer group said yesterday.

In a letter to the UK's main broadband providers, Ofcom's consumer panel says there is "widespread concern" about the issue. It says the publicised "up to" speeds are often much quicker than the actual figures people get.

The panel wants firms to change their sales practices by advising

potential customers about the likely connection speed on their line. And it says the "cooling off" period should be extended so that people can test the speeds before signing contracts.

The panel also calls on broadband providers to let their customers end their contracts without penalty if their connection speeds turn out to be much lower than those that were publicised.

The letter has gone to the chief executives of BSkyB, BT Group, Carphone Warehouse, Orange UK, Tiscali UK and Virgin Media.

The independent panel advises Ofcom on consumer issues in the communications market.