We are a nation of 'speed freaks' according to a broadband comparison site. Based on over 92,000 broadband speed tests captured in March 2008, download speed seems to be the primary factor in deciding broadband customer satisfaction. The top three fastest broadband providers were also the three highest rated.

O2 topped the rankings, with an average speed of 6.41Mbps and customer rating of 3.82 out of 5, second and third for both speed and rating were Be and Virgin Media respectively. Tesco paled in comparison with an average download speed of 1.42Mb and average customer rating of just 2.86 out of 5 making it the slowest ISP in this study.


Typically the correlation between an ISPs ability to deliver high speeds and their resultant ratings is an obvious conclusion since speed is often a reflection of network quality. However, results from other reputable smaller providers, such as IDNet, Zen, NewNet, Fast.co.uk and so forth do not appear to have been included. In addition, both O2 and Be use the same network.

The data shows that the average speed of UK broadband connections is just 3.18Mbps, yet most ISPs advertise speeds of up to 8Mbps and beyond. Both Ofcom and consumer groups are hoping for tougher rules on advertised broadband speeds in the near future, with proposals due soon. More @ Top-10-Broadband.