Mobile broadband claims are 'unrealistic'

[chris]

Mobile broadband advertising is claiming 'unrealistic' connection speeds, according to research by comparison website Broadband Genie.

The average mobile broadband speed in 2009 was 1MB, while many dongles are sold with promises of speeds of up to 7.2Mb, according to research by Broadband Genie.

The broadband comparison service is calling for mobile broadband providers to drop advertising techniques which claim higher broadband speeds in favour of more realistic claims.

While the advertising doesn't lie – the dongles are capable of these speeds – the reality for customers is very different.

The outcome is disappointing consumers who may be turned off mobile broadband for good.

Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling said: 'The hike in 'up to' claims has been led by an influx of new dongles capable of handling higher speeds, but in reality the networks can't offer anything like what they are capable of yet.'

'We implore the mobile broadband suppliers to be more honest with their customers when it comes to advertising.'

So how can you get faster mobile broadband and what should you do before you sign up to a lengthy contract.

How to get faster broadband

Mobile broadband is always going to be slower and less reliable than a fixed line connection. Unlike fixed line connections, mobile broadband is subjected to a wider number of factors that can affect the quality of the signal. Read our guide to mobile broadband.

To make sure you can get signal where you need it you should run a postcode search with your mobile phone provider to check that you will be able to use mobile internet. If you're looking to check your fixed-line broadband speed then you can use our broadband speed test.

Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk said: 'Each Mobile broadband provider offers an online coverage checker because speeds and coverage will vary depending on where you live, with signals being patchy in some rural areas. So make sure you know what to expect before signing up to a long contract.'

'Once you've got mobile broadband you can boost your mobile broadband speed by giving your laptop a spring clean, clear your cache and shutting down background programmes can also speed things up.'


Source: thisismoney