The document is not intended to be legally binding on ISPA members or to oblige ISPs to market their services in any specific manner.
It aims to create a shared understanding of what service providers mean by terms such as 'uncapped', 'shaped' and 'broadband' in their product marketing. Broadband, for example, is defined as, "a service which provides access to the Internet with a minimum download speed of 256 kbps."
"Clear communication with consumers"
"One of the most important principles for marketing of broadband services is clear communication with consumers about the products they are buying," explains ISPA GM Ant Brooks. "We believe that clearer definition of certain broadband terms will help users better understand which services will best meet their needs and what these services will cost them.
"ISPA strongly believes that this will be to the benefit of both ISPA members and consumers of broadband services. We hope to spark debate with the industry, as this is a living document that will evolve as services and technology change."
The document is available at http://ispa.org.za/Broadband-Guidelines-1.01.
