New rules have come into force to offer greater protection to home broadband and telephone users.

Rogue firms that deploy dishonest marketing techniques will face stiffer action from Ofcom, in news that should please leading broadband providers that act in a responsible manner.

The regulator announced that breaches of the new rules could result in fines of up to ten per cent of a firm's turnover.

It hopes the move will help to clamp down on practices such as mis-selling and "slamming", which is when customers are switched from one company to another without their consent.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "It is not acceptable for consumers to suffer from companies engaging in dishonest sales and marketing activity."

Meanwhile, the importance of home broadband access for young people has been highlighted by a Labour politician.

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton said that access to home broadband can help people to take advantage of new skills, employment opportunities and the best healthcare.

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