Residents in certain areas of the UK are facing severe challenges with slow broadband speeds, hampering their online experiences. A recent report by Broadband Genie highlighted the dire situation in Heol-Y-Fedw, Cymmer, Port Talbot, where internet speeds crawl at a mere 0.81 Mbps. This sluggish pace falls far short of what’s needed for streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, making downloading a movie an excruciatingly long process of over 15 hours.
Comparatively, this Welsh street is a staggering 1,494 times slower than the fastest street in the UK, where the same movie would take just 40 seconds to download. Other locations grappling with poor broadband include Turnberry Crescent in Aberdeen, Wesley Street in Maesteg, and Occupation Lane in Lincoln.
For those residing in these areas, hope is not lost. Broadband Genie suggests that many of these streets have access to better broadband options, such as switching to full fibre from copper cables or changing providers. The report reveals that the slowest streets typically have access to Fibre to the Cabinet broadband (FTTC), which can offer speeds around 35Mb. Furthermore, some streets have access to Ultrafast broadband with speeds exceeding 100Mb, and a few have access to full fibre broadband, highlighting untapped potential for improved connectivity.
To assist individuals dealing with subpar broadband, Alex Tofts from Broadband Genie offers five practical tips for enhancing internet speeds. These include conducting a broadband speed test, optimizing router placement, switching Wi-Fi frequencies, ensuring router security, and keeping all devices up to date for optimal performance.
While some areas struggle with slow broadband, there are bright spots across the UK where residents enjoy blazing-fast speeds. Notable locations with top-notch downloads include Inglewood Avenue in Derby (1.210Gbps), Moatview Park in Belfast (1.146Gbps), and Reynolds Avenue in Romford (1.014Gbps).
