Brits are still not satisfied with broadband speeds--and with good reason since actual line speeds are still on average 50 percent less than the headline speeds advertised.
Almost a third (28 percent) of fat pipe subscribers--an estimated 4.2 million customers--in the United Kingdom are not satisfied with the speed they receive from their provider, according to a survey by price comparison Web site uSwitch. And fewer than one in 10 (8 percent) of those subscribing to an up to 8Mbps service can confirm they actually receive the full 8Mbps.
Last month telecoms regulator Ofcom announced a voluntary code of practice for ISPs for speed, with guidelines including providing customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed their line is likely to achieve, and offering to move them onto a lower speed package when estimates prove inaccurate. The regulator warned it would be conducting mystery shopping exercises and said if the voluntary system does not work it will consider introducing regulation.
The uSwitch survey found the standard advertised speed for broadband is 8Mbps but the average speed actually achieved is only 4Mbps. Moreover, some seven million consumers--or nearly half of all broadband customers in the United Kingdom--are technically incapable of getting the standard headline speed of 8Mbps as only around half (42 percent) of non-cable broadband lines are able to receive 6Mbps or above, according to uSwitch.
Speed is second only to reliability when it comes to broadband consumers' wish-lists, the survey found. Well over half (58 percent) of respondents said it is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a service; ahead of value for money (54 percent); customer service (12 percent) and technical support (12 percent). Reliability of connection was cited as important by 60 percent of respondents.
The survey also found nearly a third (30 percent) of consumers now watch TV or video online.
uSwitch added that international broadband rankings put the United Kingdom's 4Mbps average to shame, with Japan boasting an average connection speed of 64Mbps, Korea with 50Mbps and France on 18Mbps.
Natasha Lomas of Silicon.com reported from London.
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Brits come live in Malaysia
Come live in Malaysia where the 'norm' broadband speeds are hardly 1mbps and customer service is total disservice and an oxymoron
Posted by Choong Chong Yew on Wednesday, July 16 2008 05:04 PM