The results were astounding, with only around 21% receiving the speeds they signed up for - and a whopping 44% only getting half the speed they expected.
The figures have been grabbing headlines ever since - and now the UK's media regulator Ofcom has taken action, sending letters to the bosses of the top six broadband providers in the UK - including BT, Tiscali and TalkTalk.
Though most broadband providers advertise speeds using the terminology "up to"; Ofcom's opinion is that more information should be given to consumers about their likely connection speeds. Also, customers should be allowed to break contracts if they are receiving speeds and quality well below the figures advertised.
While I certainly support these proposals, I also sympathise with the providers. For the most part, speeds are out of their hands and can be affected by factors such as line interference, the quality of wiring to your home and the number of people sharing your connection.
However, that's scant consolation to the customers who feel they aren't receiving value for money. So what can you do to get the download speeds you need?
Well, the first step is to test your broadband speed and find out what you're getting. We'll soon be launching a broadband speed test in the broadband channel at moneysupermarket.com - but for now you can test your speed elsewhere at websites such as speedtest.net and speedtest.bbmax.co.uk.
From there, contact your current provider and see if it is willing to upgrade you based on your results. If not, you might wish to consider other packages or shop around with another provider.
One suggestion is to get yourself on a package that offers a super-fast rate - meaning that even if you don't get the advertised speed you should still get a rate that satisfies you.
Currently, the fastest speeds in the UK are available from Be broadband. The Be Unlimited deal offers 24Mb speeds and unlimited* downloads for just £24 a month. Encouragingly, it also comes with a three-month contract - meaning that you won't be tied in for the long-term if you're not happy.
Another solution, assuming that higher speeds simply aren't possible where you are based, is to look for a cheaper 8Mb broadband contract. Here are some of the leading 8Mb deals around - all of which are on the BT network, meaning they are available in 99.6% of the UK:
- PlusNet Option One - Available at just £9.99 a month, with a 1Gb download capacity.
- Madasafish MAX broadband Talk Free - With £14.99 a month you can enjoy a 5Gb download capacity, with free evening and weekend calls.
- BT Option One - One of the most reliable packages around, from a well-established provider, includes a 5Gb capacity at just £14.97 a month.
Until Ofcom reaches a decision on what action to take over broadband speeds, the emphasis is on you, the customer, to make sure that you're getting the speed you need at a price you're happy with.
Don't settle for anything less than exactly what you want at the cheapest price you can find.
*Fair use policy applies.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that any rates or deals mentioned in this article applied at the time of writing and may no longer be available/applicable today.
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