Re: Broadband truth in advertising, redux

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Alex French <alex () evilal com>
Date: February 7, 2010 3:27:39 PM EST
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Re: [IP] Broadband truth in advertising, redux

Dave

(For IP if appropriate)

Here in Ireland the misleading advertising among cellular data services got so bad that new regulations were introduced 
in 2008 specifically to regulate ISPs making crazy claims. Briefly,

- Any speed claims must relate to the ISP's most congested "busy hour"
- All speeds must either be guaranteed or be "up to" speeds (but only realistic ones)
- ISPs must be able to meet any reasonable demand created by their ad campaign

Although these are part of a semi-voluntary advertising code, the effect has been to remove any mention of speed from 
broadband advertising, since it's pretty hard to comply. 

Now if only they would tackle the "unlimited" issue... 
--
Alex


On 7 February 2010 16:35, Dave Farber <dave () farber net> wrote:




Begin forwarded message:

> From: Richard Forno <rforno () infowarrior org>
> Date: February 7, 2010 11:28:39 AM EST
> To: Infowarrior List <infowarrior () attrition org>
> Cc: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
> Subject: Broadband truth in advertising, redux
>
>
> Just saw a TV ad for 'unlimited mobile broadband' via Cricket for $40/mo.  Sounds awesome, right?   But if you 
> quickly scan the fine print during the commercial, Cricket's service, like everyone else, is capped at 5GB/mo.  So 
> again, what does "unlimited" mean for mobile broadband?  You're not limited to WHEN you can connect to their service 
> when in their service area?
>
> This is just the latest marketing scam for the wireless and broadband providers.....after all,  it's perfectly legal 
> to say "up to 50GB speeds"  in big bold blinking letters but only deliver 15GB regularly, with periodic bursts to 
> 40GB.   But that is deemed 'truth' in advertising.    Gotta love the lawyers.
>
> -rick
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