UK ranks fourth for fixed broadband speeds worldwide

Before you begin complaining about your current Internet speeds, think again because the speeds that you’re getting with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) are probably among the fastest in the world. Or at least, the fourth fastest.

In a list published recently, the UK placed fourth among 38 other countries in terms of fixed-line broadband Internet access speeds. In a report released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is the branch of the United Nations that deals with ICT, the UK also belongs in the top 10 list among 152 countries that have been deemed to have improved Internet and broadband access from 2008 to 2010.

This news might come off as a bit of a shocker to some, with the recent release of an Ofcom broadband speed map which showed vast areas in the UK lagging behind in connectivity and connection speeds. However, the government has already pledged £363 million with the goal of providing 90% of homes in the UK with super-fast broadband speeds to address this matter.

ITU also revealed that global prices for fixed-line broadband services have decreased by over 50% in the past two years. The report also found that fixed-broadband penetration soared to around 24% in the year 2010 in developed countries, while it remained at 4.2% in developing countries.

“A new digital divide is unfolding between those with high-speed/capacity/quality access–as is the case in many high-income countries–and those with lower speed/capacity/quality access, as is the case in many low-income countries.” Brahima Sanou, the director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said, “Policy-makers should act swiftly to facilitate the spread of broadband and ensure that broadband services are faster, more reliable and affordable.”

Source – Computer Weekly