Here we go again... first 21CN ISP offers "24 meg broadband"

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 27 May 2008 at 12:13

Updated at 4:30 pm: The first ISP to advertise services based on BT's new 21CN network has ignored pleas for more sensible headline speeds and opted to advertise the service as "up to 24Mb broadband".

Broadband customers, Ofcom's Consumer Panel and even BT itself have all called for a more restrained approach to selling ADSL connections, which never reach the advertised headline speeds.

But ADSL24 has published details of its first ADSL2+ services, which its website describes as "up to 24Mb broadband". Only at the foot of the page does it offer the well-worn disclaimer that "line quality and distance from exchange will largely determine the maximum download and upload speed you can receive".

A spokesman for ADSL24 says the company has now updated its website in the light of our story, with a graph showing exactly what speeds customers can expect to receive.

The move runs contrary to the growing industry backlash against advertising "up to" speeds, with Ofcom expected to issue its recommendations shortly, after its Consumer Panel recommended a new code of conduct for broadband providers.

BT Wholesale general manager, Guy Bradshaw, told journalists in March that he wanted ISPs to stop advertising the theoretical maximums. "Headline speeds still seem to be the key marketing lever," Bradshaw said. "As an industry, we should focus on average throughput."

Pricing details

Aside from the disappointing speed advertising, ADSL24's site suggests that ADSL2+ broadband prices are set to remain at roughly the same level as ADSL Max.

A package that comes with a 10GB monthly download cap will cost £15 per month, while a 35GB cap package will cost £20. The most expensive ADSL 24 service offers 250GB for £73 per month.

ADSL24 also provides an interesting insight into the price of the "priority" bandwidth services available on 21CN. The company's Office Premium add-on - which "offers higher priority at the exchange [and] faster speeds when you need it most" - will cost £7 per month.

For full details of 21CN - the 21st Century Nightmare - read this month's issue of PC Pro