Most number of complaints over price hikes and slow speeds

Broadband speedsPrice hikes and frequent connection drop outs were the major issues that broadband customers complained over, according to a latest study on the performance of major providers in the UK.

Leading operators like BT, Virgin Media, Sky, EE, TalkTalk and Plusnet as well as small ISPs such as Zen Internet were ranked by Which? based on the volume of consumer complaints regarding problems like slow connection speeds, price hikes, router issues and connection drop outs.

Nearly half of Virgin Media customers complained over recent price hikes, while router problems remained the second biggest issue for the cable broadband customers. Over-all, three-fourths of Virgin’s customers were unhappy with the service.

For BT too, the price rise turned out to be the top reason for the complaints. 61% of BT broadband customers were dissatisfied with the service.

Nearly a third of TalkTalk and Post Office broadband customers complained over slow speeds. More connection drop outs also resulted in many complaints raised by TalkTalk customers.

EE and Plusnet managed to reduce complaints in all areas, when compared to other major ISPs. Sky’s performance was average, but fared better than its rivals BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk.

However, the small ISP Zen Internet ranked top on the chart due to the least number of complaints related to its service. Utility Warehouse and John Lewis also managed to contain the volume of complaints within decent limit.