New OfCOM Rules Welcomed by Local AM

Local AM Lee Waters has welcomed moves by the broadband regulator OfCOM to ensure that customers are entitled to see what speed they’ll receive before they enter into a contract.

Lee Waters AM, who is also the Minister responsible for broadband in the Welsh Government said:

“Broadband is an issue that really affects people and businesses in the area, I’ve been helping people with long running issues with their broadband from across the constituency since I was elected.”

“This is welcome news for anyone suffering from a slow and stuttering connection. It puts power back into the hands of customers and means that companies will have a real incentive to improve their service.”

The new rules came into force on March 1, and mean that customers will be able to exit a contract without charge if a provider doesn’t meet the promised level of service.

Providers will have to advertise a guaranteed minimum speed for a contract at the busiest times of the day. If they aren’t able to resolve any problems within a month of it being reported customers will be able to look elsewhere.

Lee Water AM said:

“Broadband companies will now have to meet the standards they advertise to customers, and won’t be able to lock people into long contracts where they don’t need to keep up their side of the deal.”

“Welsh Government has invested £200 Million in improving broadband access across Wales. But making sure every single property is connected is the responsibility of the UK Government and the regulator, OFCOM. And we’ve been pushing for them to do more and I’m pleased OfCOM has listened to the Welsh Government on this important issue.

Now it’s up to the UK Government to do its bit and treat broadband like an essential utility, like electricity, water and gas, and ensure that there are legal minimum standards of service for everyone.”