The UK Government had a target for superfast broadband coverage to reach 95 percent of the UK in 2017. It would appear that that target has now been met and 95 percent of the UK now has access to fast broadband.
This is classed as broadband with speeds of at least 24 Mbps, according to a recent report by Think Broadband, the target was achieved last month with total coverage of 95.0079 percent in the UK.
“We need to get this caveat in very quickly, the 95% target is not a consistent 95% across all communities in the UK, but with areas like Epson and Ewell, Tamworth, Worthing and Watford and others all pushing into the 99% superfast coverage zone these areas pull the figures up compared to the City of London (50.3%), Orkney Islands (66.8%), Western Isles (71%) and Kingston Upon Hull (71.7%) at the other end of the table.”
So whilst it looks like the average coverage for the fast broadband is 95 percent it would appear that some areas are still below this target.
Challenges in Achieving Uniform Coverage
Despite the impressive overall statistics, the journey to achieving uniform superfast broadband coverage across the UK has been fraught with challenges. Urban areas such as Epson and Ewell, Tamworth, Worthing, and Watford have significantly higher coverage rates, often reaching up to 99%. These areas benefit from better infrastructure, higher population densities, and more significant investment from broadband providers.
In contrast, rural and remote areas like the Orkney Islands, Western Isles, and Kingston Upon Hull lag behind, with coverage rates as low as 50.3% in the City of London. These disparities highlight the ongoing digital divide between urban and rural communities. The lower population density and challenging geography in these regions make it less economically viable for providers to invest in the necessary infrastructure.
Government Initiatives and Future Goals
To address these disparities, the UK Government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving broadband access in underserved areas. One such initiative is the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) program, which has been instrumental in extending superfast broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas. The program has received significant funding and support, enabling it to make substantial progress in closing the digital gap.
Moreover, the government has set even more ambitious targets for the future. By 2025, the goal is to achieve nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage, offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This would not only enhance the quality of internet services but also future-proof the UK’s digital infrastructure, ensuring it can meet the growing demands of the digital economy.
The importance of reliable and fast broadband cannot be overstated. It is essential for businesses, education, healthcare, and everyday communication. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the necessity of robust digital infrastructure, as remote work, online learning, and telehealth services have become integral parts of daily life.
In conclusion, while the UK has made significant strides in achieving its superfast broadband coverage target, there is still work to be done to ensure that all communities, regardless of their location, have access to high-speed internet. Continued investment, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts between the government and private sector will be crucial in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to everyone.
Source , Engadget
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