Broadband not as advertised

New research shows broadband subscribers can rarely access the maximum connection speeds advertised by internet service providers. A study on broadband available in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick has found that - on average - consumers benefit from just 60% of advertised speeds.The term 'broadband speeds may vary' - will often be heard in advertisements from internet service providers - but according to new research, those variations can be as much as 60% off the stated maximums!

This report - by the Epitiro internet monitoring firm - finds that fixed line subscribers receive on average 60% of the bandwidth speed being advertised , with mobile users faring slightly better at an average of 64%. Overall, Smart Telecom was deemed to be the best of the providers surveyed, followed by BT Ireland and Digiweb.

In related news, it was reported on Tuesday that contracts will be signed next week on the long-delayed national broadband scheme to provide service to outlying areas, but it will still be another 22 months before the system is operational, the Dáil has been told.