Broadband speeds in Europe are still not delivering on their promises

Data published today by the Commission shows that fixed broadband customers in Europe are only getting 75% of the download speed advertised. While the average actual download speed has significantly increased (from 30 Mbps in 2013 to 38 Mbps in 2014) thanks to investments in networks, the difference between advertised and real speed remains constant. This is why the EU is requesting operators to be more transparent and is giving users more rights through its new rules for a Telecoms Single Market. The text will be formally adopted by the European Parliament next Tuesday, after an agreement was reached in June. European Commission Vice-President Ansip, in charge of the Digital Single Market, will be present in Strasbourg to welcome this important achievement: “I am looking forward to this final step after intense efforts to get the best deal for Europeans. As from mid-June 2017, Europeans will pay the same price to use a mobile phone while travelling in the EU as they do at home. Their right to access the open internet will be guaranteed, along with other user rights. Today’s data shows that operators do not always deliver on their promises when it comes to internet speed. With the new rules to be adopted next week, we will require more transparency and we will empower users”. Studies published today also confirm that broadband access has continued to become more affordable and that broadband coverage is increasing with substantial deployments of high-speed fixed as well as 4G mobile infrastructures.