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Ofcom’s latest survey, published in its Connected Nations report, reveals that roughly 1.4 million homes and businesses across the UK still lack an adequate broadband connection. Properties that cannot receive at least 10 Mbps have fallen by about one million over the past year, but around 5% of premises remain below that basic threshold.
The report shows progress on higher speeds as well: 89% of UK homes can now access at least 30 Mbps, and 31% of subscribers—around 9.1 million customers—purchase services at that speed or higher. Both figures are up from the prior year, when 83% of homes could reach 30 Mbps and 27% of customers subscribed to such services.
Among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the picture is mixed. Some 80% of SMEs can obtain “superfast” connections, but the report highlights concentrations of poor connectivity in business parks and similar locations. In those concentrated areas, 36% of premises cannot receive 30 Mbps and 11% cannot even get 10 Mbps, creating real challenges for affected firms.
Ofcom also examined mobile coverage across the UK. Indoor 4G availability from all four major networks now reaches 72% of premises, a marked improvement from 28% in 2015. However, when looking at the whole UK landmass, only 40% is covered by 4G from all four operators. Coverage gaps remain particularly pronounced in rural regions and along key roads and rail corridors.
Ofcom’s analysis supports the government’s proposed Universal Service Obligation (USO), which designates 10 Mbps as a baseline that meets the current needs of most users. The regulator investigated whether the USO should include additional technical requirements—such as minimum upload speeds, traffic allowances, or raising the floor to a “superfast” 30 Mbps—but noted these changes would affect cost and implementation. Under the proposal, telecom operators would contribute toward funding the USO.
The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has voiced support for establishing a basic universal broadband service but warns that escalating costs could push up consumer bills. ISPA estimates that delivering the basic service under some scenarios could cost as much as £1.1 billion. The group is calling for a collaborative approach with government to ensure the USO is cost-effective and does not harm market competition.
ISPA urges policymakers to consider a mix of funding sources—combining public funds with any industry levies—and to allow a wide range of providers and technologies to participate in delivering the universal service. Flexibility in technology choice, the association argues, will help keep costs down and speed deployment to underserved communities.
Are you surprised by the level of basic broadband availability in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments.