Speed tests for broadband ''use dirty data''

Broadband speed tests could give inaccurate readings, a provider has said.

Virgin Media suggested that the programmes rely on "dirty data", the BBC reports.

According to the firm, the problem becomes more acute for faster connections – meaning that the programmes will become still more moribund as technology develops.

The speed testers, accessed online, are commonly used by broadband customers who wish to check their own connections.

A comparison site which offers a connection test programme took issue with some of Virgin Media''s findings, however.

Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Ferguson at ThinkBroadband said: "As we test ever-faster connections, we will evolve the testing procedures,"

He added: "We are confident that our speed tester is in a position to handle 50Mbps and faster broadband connections."