Putting your megabit numbers into context ….
A study released in January 2009 by Ofcom revealed that the average broadband speed was just 3.6MB (megabits) per second. This is a fast enough connection to listen to audio and watch video, however over 60% of UK consumers currently subscribe to packages promising speeds of up to 8MB (megabits) per second.
Some other interesting facts (although hardly surprising) highlighted in the study are:
- Consumers in London received the fastest average speeds, with those in the north east of England, Wales and Scotland receiving on average the slowest speeds.
- On average, consumers living in urban areas receive speeds 15% faster than those in rural areas, largely because of distance.
- Speeds are slowest between 5pm and 6pm on Sundays, when use of the internet is at its highest.
- Most consumers say they’re reasonably happy with their broadband service – although speed is the most commonly cited cause of dissatisfaction.
So what’s your internet speed? Fast enough or are you due some more megabit action?
If you want to read the full Ofcom report it can be accessed here:
www.ofcom.org.uk/research/telecoms/reports/bbspeed_jan09
