KCC pushes for higher guaranteed broadband speeds

South Korea’s communications watchdog, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), has informed broadband providers that they must raise the lowest speed guaranteed for their services, Telecoms Korea is reporting. Presently, for 100Mbps packages, KT Corp guarantees just 1Mbps, while rivals SK Broadband and LG Powercom promise 5Mbps and 30Mbps respectively. However, the KCC is proposing that services offered at a maximum speed of 100Mbps should have a minimum speed guarantee of 30Mbps, whilst other packages should promise between 5%-50% of advertised speeds. Recent speed tests by the KCC revealed that the average download speed was actually over 75% of what was advertised, but it is determined to have the lowest guaranteed levels raised. The watchdog is understood to have made the decision in the belief that it will encourage operators to invest in their networks, facilities and management, and could lead to an overall improvement in the general standards of broadband service in the country.