Poor Internet ConnectivityLeaving UK Behind

Research carried out by Broadband comparison site, Broadband Genie, has revealed the embarrassingly poor state of mobile internet connectivity in the UK. After conducting 3,600 speed tests the company revealed an average speed of 0.87Mbits/sec across all providers. This figure is way off the advertised speed by the majority of networks.

So is it a case of misleading advertising, or is something else to blame? One theory for the poor performance is due to the increasing popularity of 3G mobile dongles and mobile web browsers – in particular Apple’s iPhone. According to mobile browser firm, Opera, the volume of worldwide mobile data traffic grew by 16% between October and September alone. That is a massive amount of growth in a very short space of time. And what with the iPhone about to become widely available on multiple networks that only looks to increase further. No wonder some firms predict mobile networks are close to breaking point.

What is clear is that both mobile internet and line broadband providers need to up their game. To still be putting out such under performing broadband speeds is not only inconvenient but it could also have wider ramifications for the national economy. Not long ago I blogged on the benefits FTTX networks and many countries have identified these as key to long-term economic advantage. More and more services, like TV and phone, are being delivered over IP because they reduce costs and are more energy efficient. The UK is well behind Europe in the grand scheme of FTTX adoption and it’s frustrating.

I recently moved to house in Bath. It’s only about a mile from the centre and yet the best that any broadband provider could do is a 5Mbits/sec connection (at best) into my home. After conducting multiple speed tests the most I can squeeze out of it is 0.86Mbits/sec. To make matters worse, I have to pay about £10 a month more than usual for this service because, and I quote, I’m ‘in an internet black spot’.

If I was in a rural town miles from anywhere I would understand. But Bath is a major UK city that draws in thousands of tourists all year round. While the centre performs well in terms of internet connectivity, outside areas are not serviced properly. I still can’t even get a digital television signal and I’ve moved house twice! With other countries making great strides on connectivity to even rural communities, the UK is in real danger of being left behind. Technology companies will be those that suffer most. The very ones we’re relying on to help get us out of this recession.