Broadband buzzwords confusing for many Britons

The buzzwords and jargon used by broadband companies is confusing for the majority of Britons, according to a new report.

Research conducted by Cable.co.uk found that almost nine out of 10 Britons do not know what the term 'superfast' means when relating to a broadband connection.

In addition, 92 per cent of the respondents to the study stated that they do not know what a megabit is. Some 2,000 British broadband consumers were surveyed for the poll.

A megabit can be both a measure of speed and of data when used to describe a broadband connection, while speeds must be in excess of 24Mpbs to be described as superfast.

Telecoms expert and Cable.co.uk editor-in-chief Dan Howdle said it is not surprising there is a lack of knowledge of broadband buzzwords among the general public.

"Broadband providers, much like manufacturers and suppliers of technology in other fields, know well that ‘technical buzzword plus big number’ equals sales." he said.

"Just look at the markets for TVs, cameras and mobile handsets and their ever-increasing – and ever more meaningless – complements of megapixels."

The business broadband market has even more difficult jargon to wade through than consumers have to understand before choosing a provider, which could mean many companies are not getting the best possible deal for their internet connections.

With business broadband systems so key to the running of an organisation in the 21st century this is a department that IT executives need to make sure they are getting right.

Mr Howdle added: "The blame lies firmly at the feet of the providers, who are clearly not doing enough to ensure clarity surrounding the broadband deals they are advertising."

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.