'Consumers expect usable broadband service'

Many consumers realise they will not get the advertised maximum broadband speeds, but do expect their connection to handle the bare minimum, one expert states.

The capability of a broadband service is something those looking to set up a website through shared hosting might want to consider.

Internet browsing, emailing, online shopping and occasional downloading are some of the things people expect to be able to do with their broadband, says Thomas Newton, lead content writer for UK Web Media.

He adds: "If these expectations can't be met, due to reasons of speed, line quality, or having exceeded an unspecified usage limit, then people are going to feel frustrated and ultimately short-changed by the service they're paying for."

Businesses using shared hosting services to run a website could find it easier to update their content with faster broadband speeds.

A new code of practice has been launched by Ofcom in order to give consumers more accurate information on broadband speeds.

It came into force this month and the watchdog will monitor internet service providers for six months to make sure they keep to the code.