The number of homes able to get gigabit-capable broadband across the United Kingdom has reached 21.9 million homes (73 percent of all UK homes) against 20.8 million (70 percent), telecom regulator Ofcom said in its Connected Nations Spring update.
Full-fibre coverage in the UK increased from 42 percent to 48 percent between September 2022 and January 2023, a growth of six percentage points.
Superfast broadband coverage across the UK remains at 97 percent.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have seen an increase in gigabit-capable, full-fibre, and superfast broadband coverage. Full-fibre coverage for SMEs is 43 percent, while gigabit-capable coverage is 70 percent.
The number of premises unable to access decent broadband has decreased from 80,000 to 68,000 since December 2022, factoring in fixed wireless and fixed line options.
Mobile coverage in the UK is stable, and operators continue to expand coverage through the Shared Rural Network scheme, resulting in nationwide coverage improvements.
82 percent of premises in the UK can receive a 5G signal outdoors with a high degree of confidence.
Availability of gigabit-capable broadband for consumers has improved, with 73 percent of UK homes (approximately 21.9 million) able to access these faster services, up from 70 percent (20.8 million) in December 2022.
Virgin Media O2 plans to upgrade its cable network to full fibre by 2028.
Full-fibre services are accessible to 48 percent of UK homes, an increase of 15 percentage points in one year, reaching 14.2 million premises.
Superfast broadband coverage remains at 97 percent, with challenges in reaching the final 3 percent of properties.
Approximately 435,000 properties in the UK cannot access decent broadband, down from half a million in December 2022.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks can provide decent broadband as an alternative technology in areas without fixed network coverage. Almost 95 percent of premises have access to FWA coverage from mobile networks.
Around 68,000 premises currently lack access to decent broadband from fixed or FWA networks. Of these, approximately 54,000 are not expected to be covered by publicly funded schemes in the next year and may be eligible for the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) product.
Coverage of 4G mobile networks across the UK has remained relatively stable, with good outdoor coverage predicted for around 92 percent of the UK landmass, rising to 95 percent by the end of 2025.
5G coverage from at least one mobile network operator ranges from 73 to 82 percent of premises outdoors, with high confidence levels.
The UK Government aims to achieve gigabit broadband coverage for at least 85 percent of premises by 2025 and over 99 percent by 2030, with a £5 billion investment to reach hard-to-reach areas.
The Government’s mobile targets include a 95 percent coverage of the UK geographic area with 4G. The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy aims for nationwide coverage of standalone 5G in populated areas by 2030.
