Ofcom's Consumer Experience reports of 2014 show positive progress on broadband take-up and speeds
The ninth annual report published on 28 January explores the consumers’ experience of the use telecoms, the internet (predominantly fixed broadband), digital broadcasting and postal services in 2014. It is accompanied by a Consumer Experience Policy Evaluation which assesses the impact of Ofcom’s policy work and activities against the findings of the research.
The Consumers’ Experience report shows that the vast majority of consumers is broadly satisfied with their communications services. It also notes progress in the take-up and speed of superfast broadband across the UK:
– Between 2013 and 2014, take-up of superfast broadband connections in households has increased from 17.5% to 26.7%,
– Basic broadband services (download speeds of 2Mbps) are now accessible to 97% of UK premises
– Standard broadband services (speeds of 10Mbps) are accessible to 85% of UK premises
– 75% of premises have access to superfast speeds (30Mbps) following the roll-out of fibre and cable upgrades
– Three quarter of broadband customers are satisfied with the speeds they are getting while online
The Policy Evaluation report notes that the availability of broadband internet connections and choice of internet service providers continue to improve for consumers. Ofcom however noted that achieving full coverage of higher speed networks in rural areas remained a challenge.
The full reports can be accessed at:
