Ofcom has released the annual Connected Nations report, updating on the availability of broadband and mobile services in the United Kingdom. The report reveals that gigabit-capable broadband now covers 78% of the UK, marking an 8% increase from the previous year’s coverage of 70%.
Only 61,000 premises, equivalent to 0.2% of the UK, lack access to what Ofcom defines as “decent” broadband. Additionally, it was revealed that 57% (17.1 million premises) now have access to a full-fiber network, marking a substantial increase of 4.6 million premises or a 15-percentage-point growth from the previous year. Northern Ireland leads in full-fiber availability, with 91% of homes having access. Despite this progress, broadband expert Alex Tofts from Broadband Genies notes that the UK still lags behind other European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Norway, and France.
To provide clarity, Ofcom categorizes broadband as “decent” when it exceeds 10Mbps, “Superfast” when it surpasses 30Mbps, and “Gigabit” when it reaches 1Gbps or more.
Regarding outdoor 5G coverage by at least one Mobile Network Operator (MNO) in the mobile category, there has been an increase from 67-78% in 2022 to 85-93% this year. However, 81% of total mobile traffic continues to be handled by 4G. Meanwhile, several MNOs have initiated the shutdown of their 3G networks, responsible for carrying less than 3% of all mobile data traffic.
“The rapid rise in availability of full-fiber broadband is good news for people and businesses across the UK, with millions more able to benefit from fast, reliable and future-proof internet,” according to Ofcom’s Network and Communications Group Director, Lindsay Fussel.
“When the time comes to take out a new broadband contract, we encourage people to shop around and find out what options are available to make sure they are on the best package for their needs,” she added.
