Ofcom's new voluntary Code of Practice (CoP) for broadband speeds, which aims to help UK ISPs into providing customers with a true picture of likely broadband performance at the point of sale, will officially come into force tomorrow.

Forthcoming Ofcom research (due early 2009) is expected to reveal that around a quarter of people do not receive the speed they initially expected. Ofcom is also conducting research on the actual speeds obtained by broadband customers and will publish that in the same timeframe:



Ofcom will monitor compliance over the next six months to ensure ISPs are honouring their commitments to the Code. Presently the vast majority of mainstream ISPs appear to have signed up, covering 95% of UK broadband customers.

The regulator has also published a new consumer guide, which contains the facts about home broadband speeds and includes troubleshooting tips if you’re not getting the speed expected. There's also information about fair usage policies - Download Guide (PDF.).