Ofcom has today announced new measures to better protect broadband customers, including allowing them to exit a contract whenever speeds fall below acceptable levels.
The new rules, announced by the regulator’s new Chief Executive Sharon White, also include a new process to make switching broadband and landline providers easier, by placing responsibility for the switch in the hands of the company the customer is moving to. Ofcom will also next month outline plans to make it easier for mobile phone customers to change provider.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has welcomed the news and is calling on broadband and mobile phone customers to take full advantage of competition in the sector and switch providers if their service is not up to scratch.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Rural residents in Perth and Kinross who have to deal with slow internet speeds understand just how important it is to have a reliable internet connection. In this day and age broadband is important for your quality of life and is essential for anyone hoping to run a business. Rural Towns and villages in our region are calling out for better connectivity.
“Hopefully, these new rules will make it much easier for customers to switch, which should encourage broadband providers to improve connectivity. If providers fail to provide the level of speed promised then customers in Mid-Scotland and Fife will be able to change provider, penalty free.
“I have pressed the Scottish Government to set up a rural broadband fund which is open to both individuals and businesses with double the amount of funding currently available under Community Broadband Scotland. While more investment is certainly needed, residents can help to improve the service on offer by switching provider when services don’t meet expectations.”