LGA responds to broadband speeds advertising consultation

Responding to the launch of a public consultation by the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) on different options to strengthen the standards around broadband speed claims, Cllr Gillian Brown, Vice Chair of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said:

“We are pleased that the CAP is acting on LGA calls for greater transparency around broadband speeds and fully support proposals for tougher standards around the advertising of download speeds.

“Good digital connectivity is a vital element of everyday life for residents and can help them cut household bills, shop online for cheaper goods, stay in touch with distant relatives, access their bank accounts and even run their own businesses. As central and local government services increasingly become ‘digital by default’, more people will need to have faster and more reliable speeds.

“In its current form, the headline ‘up to’ download speed, which can be advertised legally, is misleading and does not reflect the reality of broadband service received across the country.

“Broadband users deserve greater honesty and openness about the download and upload speeds they are likely to receive depending on their location.”