It wants companies to publish accurate estimates of the maximum connection speeds people can expect before they buy broadband packages.

Some 32 internet providers, covering more than 90% of UK broadband customers, have agreed to the code.

There are several steps that fixed-line internet service providers (ISPs) - ones that use cables - are required to take under the voluntary code.

These include

* providing customers with an accurate estimate of the maximum speed that the line can support, whether in a shop, over the internet or on the phone
* resolving technical issues to improve speed
* offering customers the choice to move onto a lower speed package when estimates given are inaccurate
* providing consumers with information on usage limits
* alerting customers when they have breached usage limits