'Give consumers accurate data on broadband speeds' LGA tells government

Consumers need to be able to compare maximum speeds they can get according to the association for councils.

According to the Local Government Association (LGA), they want internet service providers (ISPs) to give up the data regarding maximum speeds in the area. Currently, the data given is only an average surrounding hundreds of premises, which does not give consumers an accurate indication.

Currently, LGA argues that it is not possible for consumers to obtain accurate speed estimates to compare. The only possible method is currently for consumers to carry out their own speed tests that are offered by the ISPs.

To solve this, the LGA has said that Ofcom should be given the power to force ISPs to hand over information regarding specific address speeds. This can then be used to monitor the speed accuracy and allow households see live data on household speeds.

The demand comes when the new Digital Economy Bill gets its second reading in Parliament. The issue of getting more accurate data regarding broadband speeds is part of this, which the LGA welcomes. Other groups welcomed the decision for greater transparency.

Sebastien Lahtinen from the Think Broadband website said: “There is no question that more transparency about available speeds is good for consumers as it allows them to make informed decisions about providers."

"For someone who relies on their broadband for working from home, this might well present problems and a stable 10Mbps service may be more suitable," he said, "It's not all about the fastest speed."

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