Broadband providers need to be clearer about ‘fibre’, says Ofcom
Ofcom is issuing new guidance to broadband providers to ensure consumers are given clear information about their service when signing up to a new deal.
Under the guidance, broadband firms must now tell consumers about the network that underpins their broadband service and must only use terms that are clear and unambiguous.
To date, the term ‘fibre’ has been used to describe both old and new networks, but going forwards broadband providers will need to be clear about whether the network they use is a new ‘full-fibre’ network – with fibre all the way to a customer’s home – or a ‘part-fibre’, ‘copper’, or ‘cable’ network.
This information must be given to consumers before they purchase a broadband service, regardless of whether they sign up in person, over the phone or online.
Customer confusion
Full-fibre networks are currently being deployed at pace, meaning customers are increasingly able to choose from a range of different network technologies for their broadband service. However, the term ‘fibre’ is being applied inconsistently by the telecoms industry and is often used to describe different types of networks, leading to confusion among customers.
In particular, some providers use the term ‘fibre’ which is ambiguous, as it could refer to a few different technologies, notably fibre to the cabinet (FTTC), fibre to the premises (FTTP), or cable technologies.
Ofcom’s research reveals that more than a quarter (27%) of broadband customers lacked confidence in understanding the language and terminology used by providers. Furthermore, only 46% of customers who reported being on full-fibre broadband were living in areas where it is actually available.
Says Selina Chadha, Ofcom’s Director of Connectivity:
“Today’s guidance is designed to address customer confusion surrounding the different network technologies underpinning broadband services.
“By requiring clear, straightforward information on network technologies, consumers will have a better understanding of the characteristics of their broadband service, so that they can compare services more easily and choose the best one to meet their needs.”
New broadband guidance
To improve consumer understanding, Ofcom has decided to issue new industry guidance. In summary:
- providers should give a short description of the underlying network technology of each broadband product using one or two terms that are clear and unambiguous, such as ‘cable’, ‘copper’, ‘full-fibre’ or part-fibre’. These descriptions should be offered at point of sale on the website, and before the final purchase in contract information, and in the contract summary;
- the term ‘fibre’ used in isolation is ambiguous, so it should not be used on its own to describe the underlying broadband technology. This would mean, for instance, that ‘full-fibre’ (or a similar term) is only used to describe networks which use fibre-optic cables all the way from the exchange to the home. Similarly, ‘part-fibre’ (or a similar term) would describe those services with a fibre-optic connection from the local exchange to the street cabinet and then usually a copper wire connecting the street cabinet to the customer’s home
- providers should give a more thorough explanation of the underlying broadband technology – for example through a link – so that consumers can understand in more detail what it means for them. This information must be provided in an accessible form that is easy to understand.
