Broadband Blackspots in 2025: Why Thousands of UK Homes Still Can’t Get Decent Speeds

Broadband speeds
December 12th, 2025
Broadband Blackspots in 2025: Why Thousands of UK Homes Still Can’t Get Decent Speeds

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Internet speeds are still too slow for thousands of UK households. These speeds are below what most there expect. In some UK places, things are worse than in countries like Libya, Cameroon, and Namibia. A lot of money has gone into full fibre broadband. Still, Ofcom’s latest report shows more than 130,000 UK premises are left with slow and unreliable broadband connections.

Under the Universal Service Obligation (USO), every home in the UK can ask for download speeds of 10Mbps and upload speeds of 1Mbps. These speeds are good enough for video calls, streaming HD content, and browsing the web. But in many areas, like some rural parts, people still do not get these upload speeds or download speeds.

If you find your internet to be slow, now is a good time to see what’s out there. Look at the gaps in the broadband rollout near you. This will help you pick what’s best. You can also check and compare broadband deals to see if there is a faster broadband option for your postcode.

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The Scale of the UK’s Broadband Blackspot Problem

Ofcom’s latest reports reveal:

  • There are over 72,000 premises that do not get even 5Mbps.
  • West Devon is the area that is hit the most, and 9% of homes there have less than 10Mbps.
  • A few areas in Devon and Lincolnshire still do not have good internet.
  • Some neighbourhoods (MSOAs) have over 90% of premises with speed below 10Mbps.

By contrast, global download speed averages show:

  • Libya: 10.7Mbps
  • Cameroon: 11.9Mbps
  • Namibia: 15.6Mbps
  • UK average: 147.4Mbps
  • Singapore: 400.68Mbps (world’s fastest)

These numbers show that there is a big difference between UK averages and the speeds that people in rural and remote places get in real life.

Why These Broadband Blackspots Exist

Many of these places still use older copper cables. These copper cables were not made for the way we use the internet today. Full fibre broadband, or fibre broadband, uses fibre optic cables. These fibre cables can give you much better broadband with faster download and upload speeds. You also get a more stable internet connection with full fibre.

Experts say some problems come from things the UK decided a long time ago. In the early 1990s, BT stopped its plan to put fibre everywhere. They did this so there would be more competition between companies. But this move slowed down putting in fibre for many years. Now, FTTP is growing fast, but many people in country areas are still not getting it.

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Which Areas Are Most Affected?

Based on Ofcom’s fixed-line data:

Worst by Local Authority (10Mbps USO threshold)

  • West Devon – 9% of people there cannot get 10Mbps speed
  • Torridge – 8.5% do not have 10Mbps internet
  • Mid Devon – 6.2% cannot get that speed
  • East Lindsey – 4% without 10Mbps
  • West Lindsey – 4% also do not get that speed

Worst Individual Neighbourhood (MSOA)

Lympne and Palmarsh (Folkestone & Hythe)

  • 92% of premises cannot receive 10Mbps

At the other end, there are 39 councils that do not have any premises below the USO level.

Why Broadband Complaint Levels Matter

Speed is just one thing to look at. You also need to think about how stable your broadband is. Problems like faults, outages or slow installs can be a pain. How a provider helps customers is also key. Ofcom’s latest data shows that broadband companies offer the service quality in very different ways.

Providers that use full fibre often get fewer problems with their internet. Service is also more stable. In places where the cables use copper, people feel more slowdowns during peak times. The actual speeds you get there can be less than what is advertised.

In recent years, the difference between homes with full fibre broadband and those with standard broadband has grown a lot. FTTP networks help fix the issues that come from old copper cables, long phone line paths, and weak cabinet setups. All of this makes your internet connection less stable and can slow down your download speeds.

Homes with modern fibre broadband have faster upload speeds. This means you can send large files, join video calls, share on social media, and work from home with less trouble. The speeds listed by companies may look the same. But the actual speeds you get will also depend on the type of connection you have at your place.

It is always worth checking with a broadband postcode checker because what is available can change every month. Companies like Openreach, Virgin Media, and Gigaclear, along with many other providers, each have their own network. This means there may be different types of broadband service on the same street.

If you use a landline with your package, you most likely connect through copper wires. With full fibre, that line is gone. Full fibre lets you use more reliable broadband technology. You will see better results with HD or 4K streaming on TV, YouTube or other apps when you have FTTP.

To find out your current speed, it is best to use a wired internet speed test. This way, you get accurate results. A broadband speed test can help know if you have problems with your Wi-Fi, busy times, or a weak broadband infrastructure.

As ultrafast broadband grows in England, Wales, and Scotland, more homes now get full fibre connections. But broadband availability is not the same everywhere. It is best to check what you can get to find the best broadband deal for your home.

Why Broadband Complaint Levels Matter

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Are New Providers Improving the Situation?

Yes — and this is the time when challenger brands really matter.

Newer full fibre ISPs like Orbus, Community Fibre, and Gigaclear use only modern FTTP networks. They do not use any copper lines. They offer:

  • You get higher speeds.
  • There is better service at peak times.
  • There are fewer faults.
  • The service is more reliable.
  • You get better routers that help improve your Wi-Fi coverage.

Orbus is different because it gives an Amazon eero router with every package. You do not need to buy a top plan to get one. This can help make your home Wi-Fi work better. It also helps stop many problems that people often talk about.What Should Customers in Slow Areas Do?

Here’s what you can do if you live in a broadband blackspot:

  1. Run a broadband check to find out if full fibre is now in your area.
  2. Check 4G/5G home broadband to see if you can use that instead.
  3. Upgrade to a full fibre connection when you can.
  4. Think about changing your provider if your service is not reliable.
  5. Use an Ethernet cable for better and faster broadband speeds.
  6. Put your router in an open spot to help your Wi-Fi work better.

If you do not know what is out there, you can start by looking at broadband deals. It is easy to compare broadband deals.

Compare broadband options for quicker, more reliable speeds

Correct as of 03 December 2025

FAQs About UK Broadband Blackspots in 2025

How do I know if I live in a broadband blackspot?

You may be in a broadband blackspot if your download speeds, upload speeds, or internet connection are often much lower than what your provider says you should get. A quick way to check is to do an internet speed test. Then, you can match these download speeds and upload speeds with the minimum speed your broadband plan promises. Use a broadband postcode checker to see the types of broadband you can get at your address, like full fibre broadband, standard broadband, or mobile fibre options. Sometimes, other streets near you get higher internet speeds. Your place might have old copper cables, be far from the cabinet, or have problems with network capacity. This can make your internet work less well than theirs.

Can I get compensation if my broadband is too slow?

Some internet providers follow Ofcom’s Automatic Compensation Scheme. If you have a complete loss of internet, miss an engineer visit, or wait too long for an install, they may give you something back. But this does not cover slow internet speed by itself. If the internet speed drops under the minimum guaranteed level, you may have the right to leave your contract early without paying extra. If you keep having problems, call customer service. They may sometimes give us goodwill credits.

How often does Ofcom update broadband availability data?

Ofcom shares new information about broadband every three months. The reports give people detailed information on download speeds, upload speeds, broadband service problems, and how many homes or buildings can get full fibre connections. You can also see data on superfast broadband and ultrafast broadband in these reports. These updates help people compare broadband providers. People can also know which reliable broadband technology is available in their area.

Are remote and rural areas guaranteed full fibre by 2030?

The UK Government wants most people in the UK to have gigabit-capable broadband by 2030. Still, many rural areas that use long phone lines or old FTTC systems might need to wait longer for full fibre broadband. Companies such as Openreach, Gigaclear, and some other internet providers are growing their rural fibre networks quickly. But each place gets fibre at a different time. It is worth checking often to see if full fibre broadband or fibre is available in your area.

Is mobile broadband a good alternative if my fixed-line speeds are poor?

Yes, the mobile network can be a good choice for some households. 4G and 5G mobile broadband often gives faster actual speeds than copper-based broadband, especially in places with poor internet. A mobile network router is able to help you stream, make video calls, and use all your everyday apps, even at peak times when fixed broadband may slow down. But, how well it works will depend on the coverage in your area, the number of users at the time, and the signal strength.

Can I switch broadband if speeds are below what I was promised?

Yes. Most big providers give a Minimum Speed Guarantee for broadband speed. If your speed goes below this level and the provider can’t fix it in a set time, you can often leave without exit fees. This is true for many providers in Ofcom’s voluntary Broadband Speed Code of Practice. Always keep your speed test results for accurate results.

Why are some homes still stuck on copper instead of fibre?

Many people in rural and remote places still use standard broadband or FTTC. This type of broadband uses copper cables for some part of the line. Putting in full fibre connections, also called FTTP, can cost a lot and be hard to set up, especially where not many people live. Because of this, there are broadband blackspots. The internet can be slower and less stable in these areas. Companies like Openreach and some new ones are working fast to bring fibre to more people. Still, there are some places that do not have a good broadband service yet.

Do broadband speed tests give accurate results?

Speed tests usually give good results, but they can change because of a few things:
– how many devices are using the connection
– if you are using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable
– the time of day, for example, busy hours or quiet times
– other apps running or things you download in the background
– how good your router is

For the most accurate results, it is better to use a wired Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Speed tests can help you find out if your internet connection has any problems. These problems could be slow speed, Wi-Fi not working well, or too many people using the internet at the same time.

What is the difference between standard, superfast and ultrafast broadband?

  • Standard broadband is the slowest because it uses old copper ADSL lines.
  • Superfast broadband usually gives you speeds between 30 and 70 Mbps with FTTC.
  • Ultrafast broadband has much faster speeds. It uses cable or full fibre broadband to give you 300 Mbps up to over 1Gbps.

The type of connection you use, like copper or FTTP, is the main thing that affects how well it works.

Does poor Wi-Fi mean I live in a broadband blackspot?

No, not always. Bad Wi-Fi can happen if your router is in the wrong place, the walls are thick, or there is interference. Also, too many users on your network can slow things down. Even if you have a fast full fibre service in your house, you can still get slow Wi-Fi if your router is old. To find out if your problem is with the broadband or the Wi-Fi, you can do a speed test with an Ethernet cable. If the wired speed with the cable is fast, then the Wi-Fi is the problem and not the broadband or fibre network.

Can I get full fibre broadband if my neighbours already have it?

Maybe, but this is not for sure. Even if you live on the same street, your home and other homes might use different cabinets or different routes for the internet. Openreach often turns on fibre in small steps or phases. If people near you have FTTP, it is worth checking often. Your place could get it soon after theirs.

Why do some UK homes still have slow broadband?

Many homes still use copper lines instead of fibre broadband. This holds back download and upload speeds. If you switch to full fibre broadband, you will see better upload and download speeds. Full fibre can help people get faster broadband in their home. So, moving from old copper to fibre helps people use the internet in a better way.

Is slow broadband mainly a rural issue?

Mostly, but not always. Some areas in the suburbs also do not have access to full fibre broadband.

Can I request an upgraded connection under the USO?

Yes, you can ask for a 10Mbps or faster connection. This can be done if the cost to set it up does not go over £3,400.

Are mobile or satellite broadband good alternatives?

Yes — 4G and 5G home broadband, and satellite services like Starlink, can help if fixed lines are slow.

How do I check what broadband types are available?

Use a broadband postcode checker to look for broadband deals. You can also run a search to compare broadband deals.

Does full fibre eliminate blackspots?

Full fibre is the most reliable broadband technology you can get. It helps cut down on complaints about slow speeds. This type of broadband uses fibre to give you better and more steady internet.

Why is the UK still behind some countries?

Historical policy choices slowed down the early rollout of fibre. These choices also made gaps in the infrastructure that lasted for a long time.

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