Telcos here have been offering Internet services to consumers based on access speed. With the advent of OpenNet, Telcos now offer high speed internet access with different maximum bandwidth. These plans provide breakdown of download speed, upload speed and even differentiates between local and international traffic.
However, the thing that bugs most consumers is that advertised ‘up-to’ speed is just a theoretical speed that is rarely achievable and many users experience fluctuation in speed. As a consumer, my question has always been: “Am I paying for the speed claimed in the plan?”
I am disappointed to read in a recent news report that the three major Telcos here have objected to IDA’s proposal to get them to disclose average Internet access speeds in addition to the theoretical maximum access speed.
They cite the complexity of the many factors to take into consideration when attempting to measure average speed, including customer broadband setup, application downloaded and even the devices used to access Internet. However, if it was so difficult to measure average speed, how then was it possible to claim a maximum speed, and base the amount charged to the consumer on this maximum speed? This is short-changing the consumer.
IDA was reported to have said that the responses have been generally positive and will review its position after the feedback. I would like to know what is the IDA’s position on ensuring that ISPs do not short-change Singaporeans who use their services? Or will the government lean towards protecting the interests of the Telcos instead, since the government is the majority share holder anyway?