The UK has just reached a major milestone in its quest for faster internet speeds. According to new data from thinkbroadband.com, the country now boasts an 85% nationwide coverage of gigabit broadband. This means that the majority of the British Isles can access internet speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps), a significant achievement that fulfills a government target set back in 2018.
This milestone signifies a huge leap forward in connectivity for the UK, benefiting millions who rely on broadband for work, entertainment, communication, and online gaming. No more lagging during video calls or buffering while streaming your favorite shows! Gigabit speeds offer a smooth and seamless online experience for everyone.
The research highlights specific regions that have reached the 85% gigabit coverage target, including:
*
North East:
86.04% of premises*
East Midlands:
86.29%*
North West England:
88.67%*
London:
91.31%*
West Midlands:
88.9%*
Yorkshire & the Humber:
89.49%*
Lancashire:
86.49%*
Glasgow:
93.47%*
Edinburgh:
95.24%*
Cardiff:
92.92%*
Belfast:
98.09%A total of 425 out of the UK’s 650 constituencies now enjoy gigabit coverage of 85% or higher. If you haven’t yet experienced the benefits of gigabit internet, you can use Openreach’s online tool to check if plans are available in your area.
However, accessing gigabit speeds often requires switching broadband providers. Many providers utilize Openreach’s network, owned by BT, but there are other networks available as well. Be sure to compare providers in your area to find the best speed and price combination.
It’s important to note that many providers advertise ‘fast’ broadband packages, but these speeds may not reach 1 Gbps. Always double-check the actual speeds advertised by providers before signing up.
“It is a great achievement that much of the UK now has this level of Gigabit coverage, and this is a massive step change compared to the older part-fibre cabinet solutions,” said Andrew Ferguson, Editor of thinkbroadband.com. “Gigabit speeds mean households no longer need to worry about what others in the home are doing when taking part in a video call, or if someone starts to update their games console while the parents are watching a film.”
The gigabit coverage specifically focuses on wired fibre internet, as opposed to 4G or 5G home broadband, which utilizes mobile data signals to deliver Wi-Fi to homes and businesses. “Switching from older part fibre services to full fibre should also see services become more reliable as issues such as rain getting into old copper wiring will become a thing of the past,” Ferguson added.
Switching providers has also become much easier thanks to the One Touch Switch (OTS) system, which eliminates the old 30-day notice period and allows you to maintain your existing broadband service until your new service is installed and active. This streamlined process makes switching providers more convenient and cost-effective.
The UK’s achievement in reaching 85% gigabit broadband coverage signifies a significant step forward in its digital infrastructure, paving the way for faster, more reliable, and more enjoyable online experiences for millions across the country.
