Ofcom reveals UK’s real broadband speeds
Oh dear. So Sam Knows has published data to reveal what we already knew, although perhaps not just how bad the situation is. Let's put these statistics in another way (after all that is the beauty of statistics, anyone can use them to suit their own purpose): we are paying for a service at a headline rate of 8M and in the majority of cases (Virgin Media excepted) are struggling to get 50% of that. Frankly that is a disgrace and is further evidence that our copper infrastructure cannot possibly deliver the requirements of NGA.
So what is the solution. Well, accepting that FTTH is not just around the corner (as that is the only viable long term solution), we need to put pressure on both our ISPs and Ofcom to bring clarity to this mess. Firstly we must only pay for the speed we get. That in itself is a tricky area given the variances in speed according to the distance from the exchange and the amount of other traffic sharing your connection however it is not insurmountable. Sell the broadband package based on a guaranteed speed (which by definition will be the minimum speed available). For example I connect to an exchange that claims 'Up To' 8M. Given the distance I live from it BT suggest I will only get 'Up To' 5M. In reality I rarely get more than 2M and in the evenings it can dip well below that. So I want to pay for a 1M guaranteed service. If the service levels fall below that level then I will not pay for that period. My neighbours who live closer to the exchange can pay for a 2M service (prehaps a slight premium over mine) should they wish, but the point is it is guaranteed.
In addition Ofcom should step in and change the way broadband services are marketed. We live in a world of spin, or bullshit if you prefer to call a spade a spade, and are fed up with it. We want to know what we are getting for our money. Food producers have to describe exactly what we get in their packages, so should ISPs. Send your demands to #askofcom to make your voice heard.
And yes, the ISPs will battle against it because it means they will have to be more in control of their networks and more responsible for the services they deliver. It will also bring much more pressure to bear on Openreach as they are the ultimate 'owner' and maintainer of the copper infrastructure.
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