Have you ever felt confused by the marketing done by broadband providers??
Maybe you’ve been told to switch services when you don’t need to. Maybe you’ve been promised internet speeds that don’t match up with real-life performance.
Chances are you’ve experienced something like this. Don’t worry though, a lot of Kiwis have been in the same boat as you!
Luckily though, new broadband marketing codes have just been released with a bunch of rules that broadband providers should adhere to in order to avoid misleading consumers.
So join us as we show you why this is an awesome development for consumers AND how you can get the most accurate, unbiased information on all the broadband providers!
Let’s jump in!
In August of last year, after receiving multiple complaints from consumers regarding broadband marketing, the Commerce Commission issued an open letter to the broadband industry asking for opinions on how best to address this customer confusion.
Many Kiwis were rightfully frustrated as the broadband marketing they saw led them to believe that their copper broadband service was being taken away but in actuality it wasn’t. They were also told that there was only one broadband option to choose from but in fact there were multiple services available to them. They were also promised theoretical speeds or speeds “up to” a certain amount which cannot actually be achieved.
Therefore, in November, the Commerce Commission released a set of broadband marketing guidelines that they expected the industry to implement and follow as soon as possible.
The Commerce Commission also told the industry that they must work with the Telecommunications Forum to create a binding industry code using the Commerce Commission’s guidelines.
The broadband providers quickly took on the Commerce Commission’s guidelines and implemented changes to their marketing campaigns. They then worked closely with the Telecommunications Forum and created two binding industry codes. These codes cement the changes that providers have already made and sets up a way of enforcing and monitoring the marketing of broadband providers.
There are two new marketing codes for broadband providers.
The first code is the Broadband Marketing Code. This is a broad marketing code to ensure that broadband providers are giving consumers accurate and up-to-date information about the services they provide. The code aims to prevent providers from misleading their customers on the speed and performance of the plans they offer. Providers must also make sure there’s a straight-forward process for customers to raise complaints and for the provider to make an effort to resolve these issues.
The second code is the Copper and PSTN Transition Code. This code focuses on protecting consumers who have to transition from copper-based services to alternative services. It ensures that these consumers will be able to make an informed choice, clears up confusion around the transition process, and makes sure there is support and education for these consumers.
Tristan Gilbertson (Telecommunications Forum Commissioner) said there are three major ways that these codes will benefit consumers:
1). If there are any changes to their copper service, customers will get plenty of notice so they’re not rushed into choosing another service. They’ll also be given access to all the relevant information about the alternative services they can choose from.
2). When advertising internet speeds, providers can’t use “up to” or theoretical maximum speeds. Instead they must use results from independent testing done by Measuring Broadband New Zealand.
3). Customers have the ability to leave a provider if their plan does not match up with what was advertised.
These new marketing codes are very important as they put the power into the consumers’ hands by making sure that we’re given clear and accurate advertising that doesn’t force us to choose a service that ends up not delivering what we thought.
Gilbertson adds that the codes are “...interlocking measures designed to ensure consumers get the information they need to make informed choices about the best broadband service for them, backed-up by an “exit right” if the service doesn’t live up to expectations.”
The more informed we are, the easier it is for us to find the best broadband plan for our needs. That’s why these marketing codes are so important!
Many consumers were complaining that the internet speeds they were promised were not actually possible. So these marketing codes will help make advertising internet speeds more transparent.
So you may be thinking… is there anywhere I can get accurate and impartial information on internet speeds?
Yes there is! Right here at Broadband Compare! Just click here!!
On our Average Broadband Speeds page, we include all the information you could possibly need regarding the internet speeds of various different providers! So go ahead and check it out for yourself!
CHECK AVERAGE UPLOAD & DOWNLOAD SPEEDS
Once again, at Broadband Compare!
We are an independent, unbiased source of all the information you need to compare your broadband plans!
At Broadband Compare, you can see all the plans available to you and check out every detail of them to see which one is ACTUALLY right for you! So you don’t need to worry about getting sucked into any confusing advertising or marketing tactics.
Plus, you’ll find massive savings, joining perks and special benefits! Amazing, right!
Here at Broadband Compare, we care a lot about helping Kiwis make informed choices when it comes to picking their broadband plan. Therefore, we’ve taken many steps to ensure we’re a reliable and trustworthy tool that all Kiwis can use!
To find out all the reasons you can trust us, click here!
Broadband Compare is super simple to use! It’s also FREE to use!!
All you have to do is head to our website, enter in a few details, select some filters that match your preferences and then you’ll see all the plans available to you!
You can then compare the plans side-by-side all on one page!
Alternatively, if you’d rather talk to a nice human, then give our friendly customer support team a free call on 0508 22 66 72.
We’re super excited to see these marketing codes implemented as it will give greater power to all consumers!
So why not feel that power yourself AND find some massive savings?
Just jump on Broadband Compare today!
