A survey by Which has concluded that UK broadband speeds rarely reach the speeds claimed by broadband providers. Subscribers with an 8Mbps line achieved on average 2.7Mbps and at minimum a shocking 0.09Mbps. Although the survey notes that many factors are outside of the ISP’s control Which wants to ensure that broadband providers aren’t taking advantage of customers by promising maximum speeds they cannot possibly get.

A BT spokesman, quoted on the BBC, notes that “Virtually no-one will get it [8Mbps]. The laws of physics start applying as soon as it leaves the exchange and you would have to live on top of the exchange to get the full 8 megabits.”