The latest Connected Nations report from UK comms and broadcast regulator Ofcom has revealed a major milestone for the infrastructure industry with full-fibre broadband now on offer to the majority of UK homes.
The study looks at broadband and mobile availability and coverage across the UK and the latest edition, based on findings from April and May 2023, revealed that availability of gigabit-capable broadband continues to improve at a rapid pace, with nearly 22.4 million UK homes (75%) now able to access them. This is up from 21.9 million (73%) a year ago and says Ofcom has been driven by the continued rollout of full-fibre broadband. Over half of UK homes (52%), equating to 15.4 million households, now have access to full-fibre services.
Ofcom noted that the growth in fibre has been driven mainly by the larger fibre operators but also supported by a number of smaller providers across the UK serving individual communities and regions.
The study also found that the vast majority of UK properties can access decent broadband – defined as offering at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed. Availability of superfast broadband, offering download speeds of at least 30 Mbps, remains at 97% of UK homes. Ofcom suggested that the final 3% of properties are likely to be in harder-to-reach areas, which more recent publicly-funded schemes could help.
In terms of mobile, the study found that coverage remained stable, with network upgrades on the way. While there hadn’t been a significant increase in coverage since the previous Connected Nations report, the report said the mobile industry continues to develop coverage.
Around 93% of the UK is predicted to have good outdoor 4G coverage from at least one operator, and Ofcom expected to rise to 95% by end of 2025 as a result of the Shared Rural Network.
Ofcom noted that the growth in fibre has been driven mainly by the larger fibre operators but also supported by a number of smaller providers across the UK serving individual communities and regions.
The study also found that the vast majority of UK properties can access decent broadband – defined as offering at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed. Availability of superfast broadband, offering download speeds of at least 30 Mbps, remains at 97% of UK homes. Ofcom suggested that the final 3% of properties are likely to be in harder-to-reach areas, which more recent publicly-funded schemes could help.
In terms of mobile, the study found that coverage remained stable, with network upgrades on the way. While there hadn’t been a significant increase in coverage since the previous Connected Nations report, the report said the mobile industry continues to develop coverage.
Around 93% of the UK is predicted to have good outdoor 4G coverage from at least one operator, and Ofcom expected to rise to 95% by end of 2025 as a result of the Shared Rural Network.
