A recent study by Cable.co.uk reveals that the UK is still lagging behind other countries in full fibre broadband penetration and average internet speeds.
The data is analysed from around 1.5 billion broadband speed tests worldwide; the UK currently sits 35th in the table. Although, over the past twelve months, the UK has rolled out multiple millions (our estimate is 3M) of more properties to receive full fibre, it still doesn’t support our average speeds or help us climb the ladder in the compared to other nations (last year we ranked 34th).
I will caveat this potential “negative news” with the fact we have a monumental amount of more homes to over than some of the “top” performers in penetration, and being the patriot I am, I will add we invented the whole “internet” thing. #win
Top performers in the roll out race…
Iceland takes the top spot in Europe for full fibre penetration, providing speeds of at least 100Mbps to 99.9% of its population.
Population: Under 500,00
Jersey boasts the world’s first jurisdiction to offer pure fibre (FTTP) to every broadband user, with download speeds reaching up to 944Mbps for its entire population.
Population: Less than my Tescos on a Saturday morning
Macau holds steady in third place, maintaining high average network speeds and indicating saturation in its current infrastructure.
Population: A bit more than Iceland
Liechtenstein has cracking broadband infrastructure, with 99% of its population being on full fibre.
Population: 20+
Now for the fastest and slowest countries for broadband speed…
Fastest…
- Iceland – 279.55 Mbps
- Jersey – 273.51 Mbps
- Macau – 234.74 Mbps
- Liechtenstein – 222.98 Mbps
- Denmark – 210.51 Mbps
Slowest…
- British Indian Ocean Territory – 2.38 Mbps
- Turkmenistan – 2.72 Mbps
- Syria – 2.80 Mbps
- Yemen – 2.99 Mbps
- Tajikistan – 3.10 Mbps
Western Europe leads the global regions with an impressive average speed of 141.12 Mbps. Notably, the region includes nine of the top ten fastest countries, further underscoring its dominance in broadband infrastructure. The Baltics and Northern America follow with average speeds of 106.45 Mbps and 104.18 Mbps, respectively.
Northern Africa records the slowest overall speeds with an average of just 12.52 Mbps, while Sub-Saharan Africa follows closely with 14.99 Mbps. These regions face significant challenges in digital inclusion and infrastructure development.
The UK currently sits at an average speed of 110mbps. Now, if we ignore the race, that isn’t too bad! Espeically for our population. I’ll also add, 110mbps is more than enough for 99% of homes.
All in all, we’re getting there!
