This new national benchmark compares the rules used in the Americas to regulate the advertisement of broadband speeds offered to end users, including: whether the term “broadband” can be used in advertisements and when; what level of speed must be actually provided to end users compared with the advertised speed; and whether end users can access an independent tool to test the speed for their connection.

Most countries in the Americas have rules to govern advertisements on broadband speeds. In some countries, end users must be able to enjoy at least a minimum percentage of the contracted or advertised speed.

In other countries, the effective broadband speed must be specified in the end user contract. In Mexico, advertisements which include the speed for mobile broadband services cannot use the term “up to”.