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Broadband: Broadband availability

Broadband availability targets

Government targets for broadband by 2015

Broadband availability

  • 2009 - 11% of UK homes were unable to get broadband speeds of 2Mbps and some locations couldn't get broadband at all
  • 2010 - UK's commitment to get a 2Mbps connection to all by 2012 was put back until 2015
  • 2011 - Ofcom reports 86% of homes are  able to get a 2Mbps connection and 58% of premises have access to a superfast service.

Current broadband plans

The current government's goal is for the UK to have the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. Superfast broadband can broadly be described as any service that's advertised as offering a speed of over 24Mbps. It runs over fibre networks rather than the traditional copper ADSL ones. The government wants 90% of UK homes and businesses to have access to one of these services by 2015. 

There is also a target in place to make sure at least a minimum 2Mbps broadband service is available to anyone who wants to take it up by the same date. 

If you live in an urban area, you're likely to have a wide choice of fast broadband services, including those with superfast speeds. However if you live in a rural area you might not have so much choice. The government's allocated over £530 million to ensure less populated rural areas get access to a superfast service too.

Concerned by your broadband speed? Read our Increase your broadband speed guide for tips and advice.