Ofcom Code Of Practice

Why did Ofcom introduce a Code of Practice?

To ensure broadband customers all over the UK are given sufficient and accurate information about broadband speeds before they buy.

What are we doing to meet the Code of Practice?

When you sign up to Karoo Broadband, we will tell you upfront what the fastest, most stable speed is for your line.

We do this by taking speed test results from a large cross-sample of Kingston telephony lines in each postcode area, and then work out an average stable speed for each household.

You can also find out for yourself on our broadband pages, using our Broadband Speed Checker tool. This allows you to check the typical connection speed for your post code area.

You must remember though, that there are a number of factors that affect your connection speed, the length of your line being by far the most significant. So the further you live from the exchange, the lower your line speed is likely to be.

How will this affect me as a customer?

The Ofcom Code of Practice means that broadband providers can’t use gimmicks about speed to sell their service. It protects customers from being sold something that can't actually get.

For example, the majority of customers on an 'up to 24Mbps' service won't be able to surf that fast, so Ofcom introduced this code so the providers would be more upfront about what speed individual customers can expect.

This means customers can make more informed decisions about the products and services being offered to them, and decide whether or not they want to commit to buying the service, based on all the information provided.

How do I find out more?

To see an overview of the code of practice and to find out what each principle means, please view a summary here (pdf, opens in new window)

Download the full Ofcom Code of Practice (pdf, opens in new window)