UK comes second in European broadband race
Britain sits comfortably in the top three spots when it comes to mobile and fixed broadband coverage in Europe, with 64 mobile broadband connections per 100 people.
The findings from Ofcom show the UK’s current progress in the Government’s quest to have the best broadband network out of any other major European country by 2015.
The ‘European Broadband Scorecard’ gives insight into the UK’s position within the EU’s top five economies (EU5) – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – focusing on take-up, usage, price and choice of fixed and mobile services.
The news comes after the Government published a report in 2010 outlining its ambition for Britain to have the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.
The latest research has revealed that the UK has approximately 32 fixed broadband connections per 100 people, equal to France and Germany, and significantly higher than Italy and Spain.
However, the mobile broadband results were double the fixed broadband take-up, with 64 connections per 100 people, seeing Britain in second position – marginally behind Spain.
Britain has the third fastest broadband coverage, which in 2012 reached 65% of UK premises, and the widest internet usage amongst the EU5, with 81% of people online.
The results show an increase in coverage and take-up of broadband, demonstrating that the Government’s strategy for Britain to have the best broadband network by 2015 is moving forwards.
The Government has already allocated £530 million to assist the roll-out of broadband in rural areas, ultimately wanting to see 90% of premises with at least 2MB download speeds by 2015.