UK's broadband speeds pip 4Mbps

Growing numbers of media-rich web apps are still putting the strain on

Hold on to your seats; Britain’s average broadband speeds have just smashed through the 4Mbps barrier for the very first time.

Broadband.co.uk’s monthly speed tests have placed the national average at a less-than-eye-watering 4.137 Mbps. Considering Virgin’s announcement of a 200Mbps pilot, we’re starting to feel a little bit inadequate. On the otherhand, it’s a considerable leap since 2008’s average of 3.2Mbps.

However, this shouldn’t be seen as reason to slack off, warns Edd Dawson of Broadband.co.uk. The growth of media-rich, bandwidth-hungry web apps like BBC’s iPlayer are putting a huge strain on the network. “As fast as [internet service providers] add capacity they still don't manage to keep up with their customers' expectations,” he says.

Virgin Media, with its currently available 50Mbps service, topped the list of fastest internet providers. Interestingly, O2 came in second place. That’s just great: a mobile network is outpacing the other traditional broadband providers. Sort it out, guys.