North West businesses still playing broadband lottery

North West businesses are still playing a broadband lottery with massive differences in speeds across the region, according to research from Deloitte.

The firm tested the broadband speeds of companies throughout the North West, repeating a study it first carried out in 2013. Although there was a slight increase at the vast majority of companies, the results again revealed stark differences in speeds across the region.

Over 35% of the businesses tested came in lower than the UK’s average home broadband speed of 17.9 megabits per second (Mbps) (based on data from Ofcom).

Jodi Birkett, TMT partner at Deloitte in the North West said: “A year has passed but the lottery continues. A fast broadband connection isn’t a luxury – it’s completely essential for all businesses. There needs to be a better standard in the region if we’re to compete with other regions.

“Looking at the positives the small rise we’ve seen across the board is a move in the right direction, but it needs to be built upon with the more focus given to the rural and less populated areas.”

The top speed was again found in Spinningfields, with a speed of 87.90 Mpbs. This was followed by Oxford Road in Manchester (68.34 Mpbs) and north Preston (42.00 Mpbs).

Propping up the table was Warrington (8.03 Mpbs), Bolton town centre (4.35 Mpbs) – which was the only locality to see a drop in download speed – and South Lakes (4.03 Mpbs).

Although there is often variation in broadband speeds due to busy periods and the quality of phone cabling, the research clearly shows the massive differences in speed depending on business location.

Jodi concluded: “The UK has comparatively good broadband speed in contrast to other leading economies, but it’s not consistent enough. Businesses need great connectivity, and they shouldn’t have to be located in the city centre in order to get it.”

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