UK - Regulator has commissioned the a study of mobile broadband in terms of speed, reliability and accessibility

[broadband choices] The UK’s mobile broadband speeds will come under examination in a new study by the telecoms regulator.

Ofcom has teamed up with broadband analysts Epitiro to see just how fast average mobile broadband speeds really are.

Three mobile broadband, O2 mobile broadband, Orange mobile broadband, T-Mobile broadband and Vodafone mobile broadband will all be scrutinised when Ofcom begins testing speeds between September 2010 and January 2011.

The study will look at:

* Accessibility
* Reliability
* Download speeds.

Epitiro published an independent study into the UK’s mobile broadband speeds back in June 2009, revealing average speeds of just under 1Mb.

Increasing numbers of mobile broadband customers are dissatisfied with their connection because they do not receive the speeds they expect.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: “While mobile broadband can be a great tool to help you stay online while you’re out and about, coverage can be patchy in many rural areas, resulting in slow speeds.

“You should always run a postcode search with your chosen provider before signing up,” he advised. “And if you still find that your connection is slow, you can cancel if you tell your provider straight away.”

The results of the study are expected in early 2011.

Ofcom to study mobile broadband speeds