Ofcom Launches Review of UK Broadband Prices

By Adria Calatayud

The U.K.'s Office of Communications is launching a review of broadband companies' pricing policies, as it believes millions of consumers could have faster internet connections without paying more, the telecoms regulator said Friday.

Nearly half of British households could switch to faster broadband immediately, as 94% of U.K. homes and offices have ultrafast-broadband coverage--meaning speeds of at least 300 megabits per second--but less than 50% are using these connections, Ofcom said. Around 4 million households with basic broadband have passed their initial contract period and could switch to a faster offering for the same price or less, the regulator said.

In addition to reviewing the providers' pricing practices, Ofcom proposes that starting next year, companies be made to provide clearer information to customers, telling them about the best available deals. The regulator is also launching a new consumer information campaign and website, under the banner Boost Your Broadband.

Write to Adria Calatayud at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 14, 2018 02:35 ET (07:35 GMT)

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