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Speeds of UK 4G and 5G Mobile Networks Benchmarked by Ofcom Study

Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, has recently published their latest Mobile Matters report for 2024. The report, using crowdsourced data from Opensignal collected between October 2023 and March 2024, has been used to benchmark how UK mobile broadband networks are performing. It includes data for Three UK, O2, Vodafone and EE.  

You might be a bit surprised by some of the results – The study was full of interesting details and revelations. 

Prevalence of 4G Connections Over 5G

Interestingly, over this 6 month period, 78% of cellular network connections were to 4G networks. Just 19.6% of connections were on 5G. 

Where a 5G network was available from their mobile network operator, mobile users were able to access data services on that 5G network on 98.4% of occasions. This is compared to 97.2% on 4G and 85% on 3G. 

More 5G Mobile Connections in Urban Areas than Rural

Mobile Connections via 5G in urban areas were double that of rural areas (20.9% compared to 10.4% respectively). 

Generally, 4G was more prevalent in rural areas than urban. 

Rural – 4G (85.6%), 3G (3.8%)

Urban – 4G (76.9%), 3G (2.1%) 

You may also be interested to see how this differs across the nations. 

And by mobile network operator (MNO). 

As you would expect, 5G networks were found to offer faster downstream connectivity than 4G and 3G. 

The percentages of an average download speed of 100 Mbit/s (or higher) were

5G: 47% 

4G: 11%

3G: 3%

The percentages of an average download speed of under 2Mbit/s were

5G: 1%

4G: 5%

3G: 22%

Which mobile network had the best download speeds over 5G?

The highest share of those higher download speeds on 5G (100Mbit/s and above) went to Three UK with 60%. O2 had the least connections with that download speed over both 5G (32%) and 4G (3%). 

Which Mobile Network Has The Fastest Response Time? (Lowest Latency)

For 5G connections, Three UK had the fastest average response time (16.3 milliseconds). In comparison, the fastest average response time over 4G was EE (18.3ms). O2 again lagged behind, with customers revealing the slowest average response time on 5G (21.4ms) and over on 4G it was Vodafone with the slowest response time (23.7ms).

A Wealth of Mobile Data

This report is packed full of interesting data – Far too much for us to be able to share in one article unfortunately! We’d be here all day.  

We’d certainly recommend perusing the data tables and reading through the results of what Ofcom and Opensignal have to report from consumers over this latest study’s 6 month period. 

You can read the full report here. What stood out most to you?

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New Rules on Misleading Use of ‘Fibre’ Broadband 

Ofcom, the regulator for telecoms and media here in the UK, are beginning the enforcement of new rules regarding how Internet Service Providers use the words ‘Fibre’ and ‘Full Fibre.’ 

ISP websites and contracts listing terms like ‘Fibre’ and ‘Full Fibre’ will only be able to do so if their service network actually brings their fibre optic cables into your home, under the new rules. This means FTTP, FTTH and FTTB services. 

In the past, many ISP’s have misleadingly used terminology like ‘Fibre’ to describe a wide range of internet connection technologies. This has included hybrid or part-fibre solutions involving some copper wiring (like FTTC) or even services using wireless connectivity to cover the final part into homes. 

These technologies can actually be a lot slower as well as less reliable than the more modern full-fibre (FTTP) services. It’s these services that take an optical fibre cable all the way into the home. 

Network operators, ISP’s and consumers have argued about fibre descriptions for quite a while. And with the roll-out of FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) lines over the past few years, capable of multi-Gigabit speed, this has only increased. 

If a consumer believes that they already have fibre, even if it’s only via a FTTC (VDSL2) line that is a lot slower, that consumer is more unlikely to consider upgrading to FTTP. 

This isn’t the first time the distinction between ‘fibre’ services has tried to be corrected. The Advertising Standards Authority attempted a review, but it was ineffective. CityFibre also attempted a court challenge, but this also failed. 

Then in 2021, GigaTAG (the Gigabit Take-Up Advisory Group) made a proposal to change several things, one of which was the clearer labelling of broadband packages. This was so consumers could better understand the differences between technologies, and this was successfully adopted by Ofcom at the end of last year. 

As of today, 16th September 2024, the new guidelines for residential and small business services have been formally introduced and enforced by Ofcom. Better late than never!

It’s important to note that this doesn’t yet apply to advertising. Ofcom doesn’t cover advertising, as that is the remit of the Advertising Standards Authority. So let’s hope the ASA follows suit.  

Ofcom’s New Guidelines on Fibre Terminology

The below are a summary of points from Ofcom’s website. 

  • Providers should give a short description of the underlying network technology of each broadband product using one or two terms that are clear and unambiguous, such as ‘cable’, ‘copper’, ‘full-fibre’ or part-fibre’. These descriptions should be offered at point of sale on the website, and before the final purchase in contract information, and in the contract summary;
  • The term ‘fibre’ used in isolation is ambiguous, so it should not be used on its own to describe the underlying broadband technology. This would mean, for instance, that ‘full-fibre’ (or a similar term) is only used to describe networks which use fibre-optic cables all the way from the exchange to the home. Similarly, ‘part-fibre’ (or a similar term) would describe those services with a fibre-optic connection from the local exchange to the street cabinet and then usually a copper wire connecting the street cabinet to the customer’s home; and
  • Providers should give a more thorough explanation of the underlying broadband technology – for example through a link – so that consumers can understand in more detail what it means for them. This information must be provided in an accessible form that is easy to understand.

Underlying technology information should be given to consumers irrespective of how they sign up for a service. Under Ofcom’s new guidance, those signing up online will be given this information on the broadband provider’s website. Those purchasing a service over the phone or face-to-face will be provided with this information in the Contract Summary and in the contract itself. A Contract Summary with key information on the service must be provided before the customer confirms the purchase.

Ofcom have concluded that this is the most proportionate approach to ensure appropriate information is provided to consumers and reduce customer confusion, while limiting the costs of implementation.

9 Months to Welcome Change

Ofcom announced this change back in December of last year, giving ISP’s plenty of time to implement changes. 

Thankfully, a good chunk of the telecoms industry, noticeably the more alternative full fibre networks, have welcomed this change. 

But is it too late to make a difference? The terms ‘Fibre’ and ‘Full Fibre’ have long been dished out by ISP’s – Will the new change from Ofcom actually change the perspective of consumers? Years and years of misuse of these terms will mean that it’s entrenched in the subconscious mind of consumers – Can it be changed and will we see a positive impact? 

Some ISP’s have already adjusted their approach to communicating their broadband services with consumers. Let’s remember that many if not most consumers pay a lot of attention to service speed and price, and less to what is seen as industry jargon. 

One example of the changes being implemented is from Sky Broadband who have re-labelled their packages according to the new rules. Their broadband packages are now described as:

  • Copper (ADSL)
  • Part Fibre (FTTC/ G.fast)
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)

Who will be next? 

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Confusing UK Broadband Terminology Found By ‘4th Utility’ Survey

Internet Service Provider 4th Utility published results of a new survey last month, reporting that among the 2000 respondents there was a major lack of understanding of vital broadband terms amongst consumers. 

4th Utility is an ISP who is currently in the midst of deploying a gigabit speed FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) network to large residential buildings and UK homes. Despite the fact that the term ‘full fibre’ is widely used and that the service is ‘being used by most UK households’, surprisingly their recent ‘Great British Broadband Survey’ found that just 1 in 5 residents actually know what that means. 

What Does ‘Full Fibre’ Broadband Mean?

Just in case you’re one of the 1 in 5 who aren’t sure what full fibre broadband refers to, full fibre broadband means that your home is directly connected to the exchange using fibre optic cables. 

Standard fibre cables are connected to your home via a street cabinet (so fibre cables from the exchange to the street cabinet and then different cables from the street cabinet to your home). This service uses older copper cables to connect to your home, which are an older technology and less reliable than fibre cables.  

28% Have Adopted Full Fibre Network, Ofcom Says

Whilst 4th Utility claims that full fibre is ‘already being used by most households,’ Ofcom says differently. 

Full fibre might be available to most UK households, but not all those who are able to adopt the service have done so. According to Ofcom, only 28% of households able to get a full fibre network have adopted the service. 

Coverage is not the same as take up! 

Is Broadband Baffling?

Despite the slight confusion about full fibre coverage and take up, the fact remains that many consumers are bewildered about broadband terms.

Some respondents said they still weren’t sure what full fibre meant, even after they had had it explained to them. 20% of the 2000 people surveyed said they weren’t sure whether they had the service in their home after having it explained to them, 25% said they didn’t have it and the remaining 45% said they did have full fibre in their home. 

Let’s run through some of the other terms that the respondents found confusing, as well as their meanings.

What is Bandwidth?

Only 9% of the respondents knew what bandwidth means. Network bandwidth is a measurement indicating the maximum capacity of a wired or wireless communications link to transmit data over a network connection. 

Bandwidth specifically refers to the capacity at which a network can transmit data. For example, if the bandwidth of a network is 60 Mbps, it implies that the network cannot transmit data faster than 60 Mbps in any given case.

What does FTTP mean?

FTTP stands for fibre to the premises and is a type of fibre optic broadband. FTTP is supplied by fibre optic cables from your local internet exchange — a physical location where network providers transmit internet data — directly to your business’s premises.

What is meant by ‘Superfast’ broadband?

Superfast broadband is a broad category of speeds, running from 30Mbps to 100Mbps. The faster your broadband speed, the faster you can download files, movies and games.

Superfast speeds usually reach homes via a part-fibre broadband connection, which uses fibre-optic cables up until the local street cabinet, and then copper phone lines for the final leg of the journey to your home.

Some form of superfast broadband is available to 97% of the UK from the majority of internet service providers, and in many cases is actually more affordable than slower, old-fashioned ADSL connections, especially if you happen to be out of contract on an ADSL package.

Some full fibre deals will offer superfast speeds too, but they come with the capability to boost your speed much further – all the way up to 1Gbps.

What is ‘Ultrafast’ internet?

Ultrafast broadband is generally considered any broadband connection that supplies 100Mbps or faster.

The telecoms regulator Ofcom defines ultrafast as “broadband which offers download speeds of at least 300 Mbps”. However, some providers that use the ultrafast broadband term don’t offer those speeds.

Several broadband providers use the term ‘ultrafast broadband’ to refer to their top-end broadband packages. However, providers use different technologies to deliver their broadband services to your home, and as a result the speeds they can offer also differ significantly.

It can sound confusing, but the general rule of thumb is, that if a provider is labelling a package as ultrafast broadband, it’s one of the fastest packages they provide. 

The fastest broadband you can get might not necessarily be the fastest broadband available on the market. It might not even be the fastest broadband your next-door neighbour can get. If you’re not sure what types of broadband are available where you live, you can check to see what the fastest broadband in your area is with the Uswitch postcode checker.

What does Internet of Things mean?

Just 8% of the people surveyed knew what Internet of Things (IoT) meant. The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to the collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud, as well as between the devices themselves.

Key Findings of 4th Utility ‘Great British Broadband Survey’

Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting findings from 4th Utility’s recent survey. 

What utility nightmare do Brits fear the most? 

  • 30% feared a boiler breakdown as the biggest utility nightmare
  • 23% were worried about a water leak
  • 13% were concerned about a total blackout causing utility problems
  • 12% of those surveyed considered a broadband outage as a utility nightmare

Slow internet causing household arguments

20% of respondents reported having slow internet at least 3 times per month, and 1 in 3 said it happened twice a month. Over half of those surveyed (51%) said that slow Wi-Fi caused heated arguments in their household, happening to 3 in 10 people a few times a month, or more. 

Over 50% of those surveyed said that they have broadband speed issues, with 14% of those saying it was a weekly occurrence. However, the root cause of those speed issues seemed to be challenging to identify, with 7% of respondents saying they thought that not turning their router off at night was the reason for their problems…

What do UK residents pay for broadband?

Of the 2000 people surveyed, nearly half said they pay over £30 per month for their broadband connection. 1 in 10 people said their broadband bill came to £50 or more per month. The average price for broadband per month was £33.52 for UK households. 

Broadband Bewilderment is Nothing New

Here at Geekabit, we might be experts at all things Wi-Fi and wireless connectivity, but even we can sympathise with people getting confused over all the acronyms and terminology when it comes to broadband. It’s no wonder consumers feel a bit baffled. 

It’s not a new problem, and it doesn’t help that those in charge (regulators and government) seem to like to change the definitions of things fairly often. 

The threshold for ‘superfast’ broadband and download speeds has changed from 24 Mbps to 30 Mbps+ (to match with the EU). And with ‘ultrafast’ speeds on the scene, the speed of ‘superfast’ may be questionable anyways.  

Many in the Wi-Fi industry think of ‘ultrafast’ broadband as being 100 Mbps+, whereas Ofcom defines it as 300 Mbps+, so no wonder consumers feel confused at all the jargon. 

Often the best course of action is to look at what services are available to your premises, and then compare the advertised speeds from different providers. At the end of the day, even if you don’t know all the lingo, all you need to ensure is that you have an internet service that works, at the speeds you have been promised. 

New Ofcom Guidelines to be Introduced Later This Year 

Perhaps most annoyingly, some ISP’s use terms like ‘fibre’ broadband and ‘full fibre’ when it’s not strictly the truth. For example, using the term ‘fibre broadband’ to describe connections like FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) when it’s actually slower, hybrid-fibre connections. 

Ofcom’s new guidelines will mean that ISP’s will only be able to use terms like ‘fibre’ and ‘full fibre’ broadband when their network actually brings fibre optic cables all the way to your home (ie. FTTP/B). These new guidelines should help make things clearer for consumers, and will come in later in 2024. 

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International Broadband Scorecard Comparison Scrapped by Ofcom UK

Do you wonder how the UK fares against other European countries in regards to broadband and mobile connectivity? Well, you might have to wonder a bit more. 

Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, carries out various reports on performance, looking at things like UK broadband and mobile connectivity compared with other major EU economies like France, Germany, Spain, Italy etc. 

However, it seems that Ofcom have covertly scrapped their annual international comparison despite having been publishing it since back in 2013 when they began the International Broadband Scorecard. 

The report examined various connectivity benchmarks within fixed and mobile broadband performances across different countries, such as:

  • Network availability
  • Take-up
  • Use 
  • Prices  

This then enabled them to measure and compare them with the relative performance of the UK. 

Where did the data come from?

Ofcom normally relied on Omdia-Informa Tech, a third party provider, to supply the data for the non-UK countries included in the report. 

However, as this data is available from Omdia-Informa Tech (as well as other similar telecoms research companies) to anyone who is prepared to pay a fee, Ofcom decided that them stopping their publication of the data would not hinder stakeholders and the like from being able to benchmark the UK broadband offering against the international market themselves.

Scrapping of International Broadband Scorecard a Cost-Cutting Measure?

It would seem to us that this move to scrap the report is likely a cost-cutting measure. This is unfortunate as the reporting was a useful point of comparison to see how the UK was doing in regards to broadband and mobile connectivity on an annual basis when compared without our European counterparts. 

Despite the fact that Ofcom rarely promotes their reports which meant the information they provided was often missed, they have provided some handy and relevant information in past years. 

Can I get the Broadband and Mobile Connectivity Data Somewhere Else?

Thankfully, yes! There is an annual report published from the European Commission that goes some way to compare the UK with EU countries on Broadband and Mobile connectivity (you can find the latest one here). 

If you want to check out the latest summary from the final Scorecard from Ofcom for 2023 (with data from the latter part of 2022) the interactive report is online here. 

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