Superfast Broadband Targets in the UK have been Achieved

Back in 2010, when the first coalition government had been formed, a pledge was made to have “the best superfast broadband in Europe” by 2015. Big, bold claims which have since been modified. The original target of 90% of homes being able to have a superfast connection by 2015 was adjusted to a 95% target by 2017. This was in part due to the delay in handing out subsidies to BT for the fibre rollout in rural areas.

In terms of measuring ‘the best broadband in Europe’ a scorecard was used, which measured various ranking factors for the larger of the European countries. Thinkbroadband have used a range of data, which included speed tests, to work out the coverage of superfast broadband across the UK. It has been confirmed that the initial 90% target has already been achieved, which means as a country we are perfectly on track for the revised 95% by 2017 target.

Although the original target was achieved a little later than initially planned, it leaves the country in good stead, or does it? In half a decade, things have moved on, does the high speed target of 24mbps set in 2010 still constitute a superfast broadband connection? This target has been easily achieved with BT’s rollout of fibre cabling to the cabinet across the country. Compared with other countries, this level of fibre broadband availability may leave us topping the league tables according to Ofcom, but for how long?

Broadband campaigners claim that the current rollout may appear good on paper, but it doesn’t leave the UK in the best situation for the future. In other words, it’s not really ‘future proof’. FTTH (Fibre to the Home), is a more expensive option which provides a much faster broadband connection to homes. Thinkbroadband figures for FTTH show that the UK are far behind other countries here with only 1.56% of British households having FTTH as an available option. Countries on the continent are using this FTTH as their preferred method and leaving us behind. Did the race to rollout fibre broadband leave us lagging behind, ultimately?

Hull has one of the lowest levels of superfast broadband availability at just 37.6%. However, they score highest for FTTH availability at 37.6%. It would appear that Hull’s independent telecoms supplier KCOM, has opted for a continental approach. They are building their network to put fast fibre in every home. Whilst it may take longer to rollout than the fibre to the cabinet option offered by BT, they will ultimately end up with a much faster connection. Patience here is a virtue and while residents in Hull may be irked at the slower speeds for the time being, they will have a much better solution.

Ultimately, the losers here are the remaining 10% who are still awaiting any form of superfast connection at all. The Urban – Rural digital divide is ever growing and residents in these areas are consistently left behind while the rest of the world speeds past them.

It may be a fantastic result for BT and the government, but perhaps nothing to celebrate just yet.