You will be able to get personalised broadband speed estimates before you sign up to a deal with a provider, following improvements to Ofcom protections.
Last year we made major changes to our broadband speeds codes of practice. These mean broadband shoppers are now given a minimum guaranteed speed before signing up to a new deal, are told what speeds to expect during peak times when everyone’s online, and can walk away from a contract more easily if speeds drop below the guaranteed level.
Currently, this speed information is based on data from a group of customers whose properties have similar characteristics – for example, distance from the exchange or street cabinet, which can affect speeds on copper broadband lines. In future, many customers will get a speed estimate based on the capability of the line going into their individual house or office.
Making these changes means broadband firms need to upgrade their systems. Companies that are signed up to the codes of practice have agreed to do this by 15 November.