Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael is backing calls for a review of the way in which broadband services are advertised after a new report from Ofcom revealed that up to 97% of internet users in some areas do not receive the services they are being sold.

Ofcom’s investigation found that across the UK as a whole, the gap between the claims made for broadband and the speeds that are being delivered is growing.

Statistics also showed that the average broadband speed available in rural areas declined as a result of more people signing up for internet services.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:

‘The fact that average broadband speeds in rural areas actually declined over the last year shows just how much work there is to do to if we are to close the digital divide between urban and more rural areas.

‘Many people in Orkney and Shetland find it impossible to access the internet at all when at home – those that can should not have to deal with exaggerated claims from suppliers. This report makes clear that in many cases, the services that people are actually able to receive bear little resemblance to the packages which they signed up for.

‘Providers need to stop treating their customers with such disdain and come clean on the internet speeds they are able to deliver.’