ISPreview UK Study Finds Most People Require Broadband Speeds of 10Mbps+

The results from 1,613 respondents to ISPreview.co.uk’s latest monthly web-based reader poll has revealed that 81.5% claim to “require” a minimum real-world broadband download speed of equal to or greater than 10Mbps (Megabits per second) but only a third (34.4%) actually receive their currently required speed.

Furthermore 62.8% said that their broadband speed was no better than it was in 2011, which is despite Ofcom’s latest study (here) showing that the average UK internet download speed had jumped from 7.6Mbps in November 2011 to reach 9Mbps in May 2012 (+19%). Much of that increase is believed to have come from the disproportionate impact of new superfast broadband services via a smaller number of largely urban consumers.

What minimum real-world broadband speed do you CURRENTLY require for your needs (pick closest)?
30Mbps+ – 31.8%
10Mbps – 25.4%
20Mbps – 16.8%
5Mbps – 13.5%
15Mbps – 7.5%
2Mbps – 4.7%

Do you already receive the speed you require?
No – 63.2%
Yes – 34.4%
I don’t know – 2.2%

Is your broadband speed any better than it was last year?
No – 62.8%
Yes – 31.9%
I don’t know – 5.2%

The study reveals a strong demand for faster connectivity and suggests that the vast majority of respondents would be unhappy with the UK government’s current Universal Service Commitment (USC), which aims to make a minimum internet speed of at least 2Mbps available to everybody in the country by 2015; only 4.7% of respondents claimed to require such a speed and everybody else wants something significantly faster. Meanwhile Europe’s Digital Agenda expects 100% to have access to a download speed of at least 30Mbps by 2020.

This month’s new survey asks whether or not you’ve used a Mobile Broadband (3G) service (i.e. Internet access via Smartphones or USB Modems) and if the new 4G solution is likely to be attractive? Vote Here.