29/07/2010

Current infrastructure to deliver broadband speeds is bringing them down, an expert has claimed.

Richard Patterson of broadband-expert.co.uk said that internet service providers are limited by the current setup.

He added that most broadband is brought to homes and businesses via copper lines, which can result in speed problems for those living more than 2km away from a telephone exchange.

'Consumers should speak to the internet service providers about the actual speeds they are likely to receive before signing a contract,' Mr Patterson advised.

'If you are getting a much slower speed than expected, your ISP may be able to help, so it's worth getting in touch with them.'

Earlier this week, a report from industry watchdog Ofcom revealed that there is a growing gap between advertised and actual broadband speeds among service providers.

Average actual speeds were just 45 per cent of advertised speeds in May, the study discovered.