Karoo leads the way in broadband speed transparency with postcode speed map

While we're tempted to ask, why hasn't anyone done this sooner, we're taking our hats off to Karoo Broadband owners Kingston Communications today after it released the first broadband postcode speed map in the UK.

Before you all going rushing off to check your broadband though, anyone unfamiliar with Karoo should realise that it only operates in the Hull and East Riding area of Yorkshire, where it enjoys a monopoly on fixed-line broadband. As such, the test is only available to its customers in that area.

So what does the test do? Quite simply, Karoo customers head over to its speed map and enter their postcode, which opens up a Googlemap showing the fixed-line broadband you should expect. it's a huge step forward in speed transparency and one we hope other internet service providers are quick to follow.

Nick Thompson, Kingston Communications director of consumer and publishing services, said: "One of the most frustrating aspects for consumers is that the service they sign up for doesn’t always match the ‘up to’ speeds that are advertised by broadband providers.

"Using Kinston Communications' Speed Map, broadband users can now check and compare actual broadband speeds, on any given post code, before signing up or moving home. With last year’s Digital Britain report calling for greater transparency, we are urging other providers to follow our lead."

And so say all of us. The speed map takes readings every 15 minutes on every active Karoo broadband connection, calculating the average in each postcode. This means that if your connection doesn't add up, you can get on the phone and make merry hell. I bet its customer service department can't wait.

We're currently waiting for some industry reaction on this to reach us, but we expect it to point out that Karoo covers a relatively small area. And, of course, everyone will probably blame BT, which seems par for the course nowadays. We'd of course be interested to hear from Karoo customers who have used the service - let us know how it works in practise.