Over 1 mln UK homes, businesses still lack decent broadband: report

LONDON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Although Britain's broadband coverage is steadily improving, over 1 million homes and offices still cannot get a decent broadband connection, according to a report released Friday by Ofcom, the country's communications regulator.

The Connected Nations 2017 report outlines progress on the availability and take-up of broadband and mobile services in Britain.

Around 1.1 million homes and offices, or 4 percent of properties, still cannot get the broadband speeds needed to meet their typical needs, figures from the report show. This is currently defined as broadband offering a download speed of at least 10 Mbit/s, with an upload speed of at least one Mbit/s.

Broadband speeds and access remain worse in rural areas, and around 17 percent of rural premises are not getting decent broadband services, compared to just 2 percent in urban areas, according to the report.

Ofcom said it is supporting the UK Government's plans for universal broadband, so homes and businesses across the country, including in rural and remote areas, have the right to request a broadband connection with a download speed of at least 10 Mbit/s, and an upload speed of at least one Mbit/s.

"Everyone should have good access to the internet, wherever they live and work. So we are supporting plans for universal broadband, and promoting investment in full-fibre technology that can provide ultrafast, reliable connections," said Steve Unger, Chief Technology Officer at Ofcom. Enditem