The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published principles to ensure ISPs claims about broadband speeds aren’t misleading under Australian Consumer Law. The competition watchdog’s guidance is in response to consumer confusion over fixed broadband speeds after it found that 80 per cent of consumers are confused and want speed information to be presented in a simple, standardised format. “The ACCC is concerned that the use of vague speed claims is not providing consumers accurate, comparable or useful information. Four out of five consumers have trouble comparing broadband speeds and this is causing a high level of complaints, confusion and dissatisfaction,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said. “Consumers believe they aren’t getting what they sign up for, and pay for, when it comes to home internet speeds. It is time they industry met consumer demand for accurate information about broadband speeds so consumers can compare offers and make informed decisions about their internet services.” The competition watchdog has created 6 principals to guide ISPs on best practice marketing when it comes to broadband speeds, including how to make a clear statement on the typical speeds consumers can expect during busy hours. ISPs should make accurate information about broadband speeds available to consumers during sales processes and on their websites to help them compare plans, and identify how apps will perform (including video streaming). They should also provide customers with support if the service falls short of expected speeds, the ACCC said. The ACCC said it will work with industry and issue more detailed guidelines to ensure ISPs can use the framework to provide better information to their customers. It is also in discussions with the Federal government about the possible introduction of a fixed broadband performance monitoring and reporting program in Australia. Related content brandpost Sponsored by NTT DATA Transform your technology and accelerate business outcomes with NTT DATA’s Technology Solutions By Miriam Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at NTT, Europe Dec 06, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by SAP How the cloud and AI will help more companies become future proof In a world where macroeconomic uncertainty has become the new normal, being future-proof is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s a must have. By Scott Russell, Customer Success at SAP Dec 06, 2023 4 mins IT Leadership feature 6 generative AI hazards IT leaders should avoid The opportunities to use generative AI will greatly vary for each organization, but the ways it can go wrong are turning out to be fairly universal. By Mary Branscombe Dec 06, 2023 11 mins CIO Application Performance Management Generative AI interview Delivering value through IT at Village Roadshow During a recent CIO Leadership Live session, Michael Fagan, chief transformation officer of Australian cinema and theme park company Village Roadshow, spoke with CIO’s editor in chief for APAC Cathy O'Sullivan about delivering value, colla By CIO staff Dec 06, 2023 8 mins CIO CIO Leadership Live Change Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe