Improved web service as superfast broadband figures soar in the Isle

North Lincolnshire has a very high rate of superfast broadband coverage, with access for 94% of homes and businesses.
Andrew Percy MP with Julie Reed supporting superfast Broadband in the Isle of AxholmeAndrew Percy MP with Julie Reed supporting superfast Broadband in the Isle of Axholme
Andrew Percy MP with Julie Reed supporting superfast Broadband in the Isle of Axholme

Figures from independent broadband guide Think Broadband shows shows that superfast broadband coverage in the area is just below the Government target of 95%.

The figures come as a £12 million North Lincolnshire Broadband project launched in 2016 continues with the aim of providing high-speed fibre broadband access to properties in North Lincolnshire.

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But thousands of homes and businesses have still been left without superfast download speeds of more than 30Mbps - needed for multiple internet users and some streaming services.

Many broadband users also find their experience doesn't live up to the advertised speed.

Think Broadband collects user-generated data from home speed tests, which shows the median download speed in North Lincolnshire is 25Mbps.

Households with the fastest connections enjoy a download speed of at least 48Mbps.

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But households with the worst broadband can only manage a download speed of up to 9Mbps - under the minimum speed required for a decent connection.

Think Broadband editor Andrew Ferguson said: "The last few years have seen dramatic changes in the availability of superfast broadband across the UK, but for those still to see any improvements it won't feel like that at all."

Communications regulator Ofcom defines superfast broadband as a download speed of more than 30 megabytes per second (Mbps), and decent broadband as 10Mbps.

Downloading films, using multiple Netflix accounts, streaming ultra-high definition videos, using Skype and playing online games all require superfast broadband speeds.

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Although you can watch HD content on BBC iPlayer with a speed of just 3Mbps, according to Broadband Choices an internet-using family will struggle without a superfast connection - particularly at 'internet crunch times'.

Research by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport found that access to superfast broadband improves the local economy, reduces unemployment and increases productivity for businesses.

DCMS said that people with faster broadband also reported improved wellbeing.

The Government said that by 2020 everyone in the UK would have a legal right to request a decent broadband connection. Superfast broadband is a speed of more than 24Mbps.