A recent study has revealed that nine out of ten people are still confused about the usage limits on their broadband packages.

Conducted by uSwitch, the study found that nearly one million have reached or exceeded the limits imposed by their internet service provider (ISP).

A total of 6.2 million users wrongly believed that they had an unlimited broadband service with no cap on their usage.

The research conducted by uSwitch also examined a range of ISPs and the way that they advertise their packages.

It was found that less than one in four are "transparent" and let users know the true limits of their services.

Sky was found to be the only ISP to launch a truly unlimited broadband service in the form of Sky Max.

All other firms have a fair usage policy, which can put a limit onto supposedly unlimited connections.

More than 56 per cent of major ISPs were found to be using the term but setting limits on usage, while only two were found to publish the official limits.

Tim Wolfenden, head of communications at uSwitch, commented: "The solution is easy, broadband companies should not be allowed to class their packages as unlimited if they are not.

"Providers are confusing consumers to the extent that broadband users do not even know if they are exceeding a user limit."

In related news, the government has announced that Oldham and Suffolk will be the first areas to benefit from Broadband for All scheme.

The initiative involves spending £300 million on giving low-income families a broadband connection.


Friday, 24th October 2008

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Provider	Package	Speed	Download Limit	Setup Cost	Monthly Cost	More Info
	O2 Broadband - Standard	Up To 8Mbps	Unlimited *	FREE	£7.34	Go >>
	TalkTalk Broadband - Essentials	Up To 8Mbps	40GB	£29.99	£6.49	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 1	Up To 8Mbps	10GB	FREE	£7.78	Go >>
	BT Broadband - Option 2	Up To 8Mbps	15GB	FREE	£13.69	Go >>
	Virgin Media Broadband - M - Cable	Up To 2Mbps	Unlimited *	£40.00	£4.50	Go >>

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