UK broadband users face usage constraints

Research agency uSwitch has found that 80 percent of UK broadband users either do not know what their usage limit is or wrongly think they have access to an unlimited broadband package.

The spokesman for uSwitch, Tim Wolfenden, stated:

“As internet service providers are not choosing to be wholly transparent about this particular issue people need to be savvy when selecting their broadband. They need to pay close attention to the fine print.”

Net suppliers, on their part, argue that such usage caps are necessary if they are to offer a good, reliable service to all and at the prices that users have come to expect. The Internet Service Providers’ Association that represents UK ISPs has certain rules on how such caps are actually passed on.

A spokesman for ISPA said:

“An ISPA Member must not operate bandwidth caps deliberately unless it makes available to its users and customers in a clear manner the nature of the caps, which apply.”

Fair usage policies are found in a broadband contract’s terms and conditions. According to uSwitch research findings, only one in four customers actually read it.