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Fibre-Optic Broadband
UK broadband 'in need of an overhaul'
Thursday 14th January 2010, by Daniel King
The need for fibre-optic cables to provide super-fast broadband connections in British homes may never have been greater, after a new study revealed the UK has only the 26th fastest download speeds in the world.
Despite Ofcom estimating last April that an average speed of 4.1 megabits per second (Mbps) was found in the country, research by Akamai has concluded it is just 3.5 Mbps.
Such a download rate falls significantly behind nations such as South Korea (14.6 Mbps), Japan (7.9 Mbps) and Hong Kong (7.6 Mbps).
The global average speed rose by 13 per cent during 2009 to 1.7 Mbps - mainly due to the fact that 73 countries operate on rates less then one Mbps.
Even in Europe the UK was found to be lagging behind Sweden (5.7 Mbps) and the Netherlands (5.2 Mbps).
Although Asia dominated the average speeds chart, it was Sandy in Utah, USA which took the title of the world's fastest broadband city, registering a download rate of 33.4 Mbps, according to the survey.
The government last week announced his intention to spend £1 billion on fibre-optic cables which would provide much of Britain - even rural and out-of-touch areas - with super-fast broadband speeds.
Lord Mandelson said he believed the scheme would reach more than 90 per cent of the UK and create economic opportunities that would otherwise be lost.
He commented: "We cannot underestimate the opportunities this will bring for homes and businesses which is why we are taking action to make sure everyone benefits."
Categories: Broadband
