Ofcom Broadband Speeds Code of Practice
Everything you need to know about how broadband speeds are advertised, what your provider must deliver, and your right to walk away if they fail.
What is the Ofcom Voluntary Code?
The Ofcom Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds was introduced to ensure that customers get realistic information about the broadband speeds they will actually receive, both before they sign up and during their contract.
Major providers, including BT, Sky, Virgin Media, EE, and TalkTalk, have signed up to this code. It legally binds them to provide clear, transparent speed estimates and grants you specific rights if your connection underperforms.
How "Average Speeds" Are Calculated
When you see a broadband package advertised—for example, as "Average 150 Mbps"—this isn't a random number or a theoretical maximum.
Under Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules backed by Ofcom, the advertised average speed must be achievable by at least 50% of the provider's customers during peak hours (8pm to 10pm). This ensures you aren't sold a package based on speeds that only exist at 3 AM when the network is quiet.
Minimum Guaranteed Speeds
Before you complete an online checkout or finish a phone order, providers who follow the code must give you a personalised minimum guaranteed speed for your specific property. This is your safety net.
Personalised to You
The estimate is based on your exact line, not a national average.
Your Legal Baseline
If speeds drop below this number, your rights kick in.
Your Right to Exit Penalty-Free
The most important aspect of the Ofcom code is your right to cancel your contract without paying early termination fees if your provider fails to deliver.
Report the Fault
You must notify your provider that your speed has fallen below your minimum guaranteed speed.
30-Day Fix Period
The provider has 30 days to resolve the issue and restore your speed to the minimum guaranteed level.
Exit The Contract
If they cannot fix it within 30 days, you have the legal right to walk away from your broadband contract and any tied TV/phone packages without penalty.
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