UK households with home broadband connections download an average of 17 gigabytes of data per month. That amount is roughly equivalent to streaming 11 full-length films or about 12 hours of pre-recorded television.
Regulator Ofcom published these findings in its detailed “Infrastructure Report,” which assesses the performance of the country’s telecommunications networks.
The study examined 200 areas across the UK and evaluated how well they support different technologies, including fixed broadband, mobile coverage and digital TV services.
Ofcom found that around 14% of UK households receive broadband speeds of less than 2 Mbit/s, while approximately 58% have access to superfast broadband.
Ernest Doku, technology expert at uSwitch.com, commented: “These figures suggest that broadband connections are increasingly replacing the airwaves as the main means by which we consume TV and radio.”
The report also reveals mobile coverage gaps: about 900,000 homes and businesses lack access to 2G signals, and roughly 7.7 million have no access to 3G services.
The findings will help guide government efforts to reduce mobile “not-spots,” supported by a £150 million fund announced to target the worst-affected areas.
Bob Warner, Chair of the Communications Consumer Panel, said: “Ofcom’s work with the Government to allocate the £150 million should improve the lives of millions and support the growth of thousands of small businesses.”
To learn more about the evolving telecommunications landscape and how marketers, developers, businesses, brands and operators are benefiting from market growth, attend the Apps World events: www.apps-world.net/northamerica on 1–2 November in New York, or www.apps-world.net/europe on 29–30 November in London, where leading global brands and industry experts will be speaking.