UK broadband speeds fall short

The average UK Broadband speed is still "significantly" below that which many broadband packages promise, according to new research from regulator Ofcom.

The communications watchdog found the average speed of a broadband connection in the UK is 3.6Mbps (megabits per second).

On average, consumers receive 45% of the advertised headline speed and less than their phone lines can deliver.

A new code introduced by Ofcom last month required all ISPs to provide consumers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed their phone line could support.

The report finds that, on average, people are getting 85% of that maximum.

Moreover the study found that during the evening, peak time for people going online, that falls by a farther 30%.

 The research also found that consumers in urban areas receive speeds which on average are 15% faster than those in rural areas.

Commenting on the findings, James Parker, broadband manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This latest report from Ofcom still goes to show how little consumers get for their money. Although prices for broadband are falling rapidly, the speed in which providers are moving to help consumers get a better deal is slowing. The voluntary code may mean customers are advised of what speed they get before purchasing a new deal, but it does nothing to help consumers get the actual speed they pay for.”

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards described the study as "the most comprehensive assessments of consumers' broadband experiences to date".

"We want to see all internet service providers meet the needs of their customers by clearly explaining what speeds they should expect and by ensuring that their networks meet consumers' increasing demand for higher speed broadband," he said.

The survey found that customer satisfaction fell from 93% for those using it mainly for web browsing to 67% for those using it for streaming or downloading TV programmes.