Sep 21, 2009
Ofcom watching the speeds of mobile broadband
The UK telecoms watchdog is keeping an eye on mobile broadband in the UK. When marketing its mobile broadband products the UK mobile industry is tending to be a little on the optimistic side regarding the implied speeds of internet access.
Ofcom’s recent research shows that consumers are increasingly using mobile networks to access the internet on their computers via a dongle or 3G datacard. There were over two million new connections to mobile broadband between February 2008 and February 2009.
Mobile network coverage in the UK is generally good but some problems persist, particularly in rural areas. Ofcom is focusing on persistent so-called not-spot areas and working where it can to facilitate better mobile coverage.
“The UK has the most competitive mobile industry in Europe with five mobile network operators. The number of mobile phone subscriptions in the UK stands at over 76 million, exceeding the population of 60 million with households now more likely to have a mobile service than a fixed service. Some 85% of the adult population in the UK now have a mobile and it has become the device that we would not leave home without.”
This news item was originally released on the Ofcom website as a press release.
View the mobile broadband coverage page for mobile broadband coverage in your area.
