- Ofcom codes of practice require signed-up providers to give a minimum guaranteed speed at the point of sale.
- The minimum guaranteed speed is personalised to the line at the specific address.
- If the speed falls persistently below the minimum and is not fixed in time, a right to exit can apply.
- The rules strengthened the information providers must give about speeds before a contract.
- The figure is based on the speed the line is expected to achieve, not the advertised headline.
Ofcom codes of practice require signed-up providers to give a personalised minimum guaranteed speed at the point of sale. If speed falls persistently below it and is not fixed, a right to exit without penalty can apply.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What the minimum guaranteed speed rules are
Ofcom's codes of practice on broadband speeds require providers that have signed up to them to give customers a minimum guaranteed download speed at the point of sale, personalised to the line at the specific address. This addresses a long-standing problem where customers found their actual speed fell well short of an advertised headline figure, with little recourse. The rules strengthened the information customers receive and gave them a remedy where the speed persistently fails to meet the guaranteed minimum. Understanding these rules, what providers must tell customers, and the right to exit they can trigger helps consumers know what to expect and what they are entitled to.
The minimum guaranteed speed is a more meaningful figure than the advertised headline, because it reflects what the specific line is expected to achieve and is backed by a remedy if it is not met. This makes it central to understanding broadband speed rights.
What ISPs must tell you
Under the rules, a signed-up provider must give the customer, before the contract is agreed, a personalised estimate of the speed the line is expected to achieve, including a minimum guaranteed download speed. This is based on the specific line to the address, not a generic headline figure. Providing this information at the point of sale ensures the customer knows what speed to realistically expect and what minimum is guaranteed, so they can make an informed decision. This disclosure requirement is a key part of the rules, shifting the focus from advertised speeds to a realistic, address-specific figure that the provider stands behind.
| Element | What it means | Benefit to you |
|---|---|---|
| Personalised estimate | Speed expected on your line | Realistic expectation |
| Minimum guaranteed speed | Level the line should achieve | A benchmark to hold the provider to |
| Point-of-sale disclosure | Given before the contract | Informed decision |
| Right to exit | Leave if minimum not met | Meaningful remedy |
How the figure is calculated
The minimum guaranteed speed is based on the speed the specific line is expected to achieve, taking account of factors such as the technology and, for copper-based lines, the distance and line conditions. Rather than a single advertised figure that may not reflect the individual line, it is a personalised estimate, with the minimum guaranteed speed typically set at a level the line should reliably achieve. This means the figure differs between addresses depending on their connections. The calculation reflects the realistic performance of the line, which is why the minimum guaranteed speed is a more reliable benchmark than the headline speed for judging whether a connection is performing as it should.
The right to exit
A central feature of the rules is the right to exit. If the speed falls persistently below the minimum guaranteed level and the provider cannot improve it within a set period after the customer reports the problem, the customer gains the right to exit the contract without penalty, often including any phone and television services bought with it. This remedy gives the guaranteed speed real force: it is not just an estimate but a commitment backed by the ability to leave if it is not met. The right to exit ensures customers are not locked into a contract delivering far less than they were guaranteed, which is the substance of the protection.
How to use the protection
To use the protection, a customer who suspects their speed is below the minimum guaranteed level should gather evidence, ideally wired speed tests at different times under good conditions, and report the problem to the provider. The provider then has a set period to investigate and try to bring the speed up to the minimum. If it cannot, the customer may exercise the right to exit without penalty. Following this process, with good evidence and giving the provider the chance to fix the issue, is how the protection is properly invoked. Keeping records of the speed tests and the communication supports the case if needed.
Why the rules matter
The minimum guaranteed speed rules matter because they address the gap between advertised and delivered speeds that long frustrated consumers. By requiring a personalised, address-specific minimum and backing it with a right to exit, the rules give customers both better information and a meaningful remedy. This encourages providers to be realistic about the speeds they promise and to deliver them, since failing to do so allows the customer to leave. For consumers, the rules transform broadband speed from a vague advertised claim into a commitment with consequences, which strengthens their position considerably.
Speeds rules and full fibre
The minimum guaranteed speed rules apply across connection types, but their practical significance varies. On copper-based connections, where speeds depend heavily on line conditions and distance, the personalised estimate and minimum guarantee are particularly important, as actual speeds can fall well short of headline figures. On full fibre, which delivers more consistent speeds close to the headline, the gap between expected and delivered speed is usually smaller, though the rules still apply. As more households move to full fibre, the difference between guaranteed and delivered speeds tends to narrow, but the rules remain a valuable protection across all connections.
Knowing your speed rights
In summary, Ofcom's codes of practice require signed-up providers to give a personalised minimum guaranteed download speed at the point of sale, based on the specific line rather than a generic headline. If the speed falls persistently below the minimum and the provider cannot fix it within a set period, the customer can exit the contract without penalty. These rules give consumers better information and a meaningful remedy, addressing the long-standing gap between advertised and delivered speeds. Knowing the guaranteed speed and the right to exit empowers consumers to hold providers to their commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a minimum guaranteed speed?
It is a personalised minimum download speed that a provider signed up to Ofcom's speeds code gives at the point of sale, based on the specific line to the address rather than a generic headline figure. It is the benchmark for whether the connection is performing as it should, and falling persistently below it can trigger a right to exit the contract without penalty.
When did Ofcom introduce minimum speed guarantees?
Ofcom's voluntary codes of practice on broadband speeds, requiring signed-up providers to give a personalised minimum guaranteed speed and a right to exit, were strengthened to give consumers better information and a remedy. The codes apply to providers that have signed up to them, and they shifted the focus from advertised speeds to realistic, address-specific figures backed by a remedy.
How is my minimum guaranteed speed calculated?
It is based on the speed the specific line is expected to achieve, taking account of factors such as the technology and, for copper-based lines, the distance and line conditions. Rather than a single advertised figure, it is a personalised estimate, with the minimum guaranteed speed set at a level the line should reliably achieve, so it differs between addresses.
What can I do if my speed is below the minimum?
Gather evidence, ideally wired speed tests at different times under good conditions, and report the problem to the provider, which then has a set period to try to improve the speed. If it cannot bring the speed up to the minimum guaranteed level within that period, you may gain the right to exit the contract without penalty, often including services bought with it.
Do all ISPs have to provide a minimum speed guarantee?
The minimum guaranteed speed requirement applies to providers that have signed up to Ofcom's relevant codes of practice on broadband speeds. The major providers commonly participate, so most customers are covered. Where a provider has signed up, it must give a personalised minimum guaranteed speed at the point of sale and offer the associated right to exit.
Do the speed rules apply to full fibre?
Yes, the rules apply across connection types, though their practical significance varies. On copper-based connections, where speeds depend on line conditions and distance, the personalised minimum is particularly important. On full fibre, which delivers more consistent speeds close to the headline, the gap between expected and delivered speed is usually smaller, but the protection still applies.
