Press & PR

Following a number of recent studies examining the disparity between advertised speeds and transfer rates experience by broadband customers, one commentator has noted that for some, current technology isn't capable of delivering consistently high speeds.

Commenting in the Guardian, Michael Pollitt suggests that ADSL broadband services will always run at slower rates if the customer lives some distance from the nearest telephone exchange.

Furthermore, ADSL2+ technology, which is touted as a faster alternative, fares even less well over long distances, Mr Pollitt notes.

"If you live more than three or four kilometres from the telephone exchange, a "slow" broadband connection is down to the laws of physics. One solution is to replace your copper telephone wires with fibre-optic cable," he suggests.

Micro-filters can also be used, although he states that realistically, most users are unlikely to witness any real change in speeds.

Elsewhere, IT Week advises that for customers who wish to check the speed of their internet connection, users should look to use programs that measure end-to-end connection speeds, which offer a more accurate picture of download rates.

Vonage's internet phone service allows broadband customers to make cheap calls with a relatively low bandwidth requirement.