UK Broadband Statistics 2026

UK broadband infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with full-fibre and gigabit-capable networks now covering most homes. Updated June 2026. Figures are from Ofcom primary research covering speeds, pricing, complaints and take-up.

Headline figures for 2026

Full-fibre coverage reached 82% of residential premises and gigabit-capable coverage 89% by January 2026 (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). Full-fibre take-up stood at 47%, or 12.4 million premises (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). Premises lacking affordable decent broadband fell to 4,000 nationally (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026).

Coverage: gigabit, full fibre and superfast

Gigabit-capable broadband covers networks delivering at least 1 Gbit/s download (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025). Full-fibre (FTTP), where fibre runs to the home, forms the majority of gigabit-capable infrastructure. Superfast coverage (30 Mbit/s or more) reached 98% of UK premises by July 2024 (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2024). A rural-urban gap persists: urban England achieved 99% superfast coverage against 92% in rural areas as of July 2025 (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025).

Average speeds and pricing

The median download speed across all home broadband types was 69.4 Mbit/s in March 2023, a 17% year-on-year increase (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023). Full-fibre averaged 149.2 Mbit/s and cable 270.6 Mbit/s (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023). Only 3% of connections recorded below 10 Mbit/s (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023). In 2024, ultrafast dual-play list prices fell 9% and superfast 7% in real terms, while out-of-contract customers paid 18% more than in-contract customers (Ofcom, Pricing Trends 2024).

Complaints by provider

Ofcom publishes quarterly complaints per 100,000 customers (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q2 2025). The Q2 2025 industry average was 8 (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q2 2025). EE topped complaints across broadband, landline and pay-TV combined (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q2 2025). Volumes fell to their lowest or joint-lowest recorded levels during 2025 (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q3 2025).

Take-up and connections

Coverage and take-up are distinct measures. By January 2026, 12.4 million premises had connected to full-fibre, 47% of those with access (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). Take-up rose from 34% in July 2024 to 44% by July 2025 (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025). Social tariff take-up remained low: 532,000 customers used a social tariff in June 2025 despite 70% of eligible households being unaware (Ofcom, Communications Affordability Tracker 2025).

Trends over time

All figures below are UK residential premises. Source: Ofcom Connected Nations reports (2020-2026).

Regional breakdown

Northern Ireland leads on full-fibre availability, reflecting earlier investment. Scotland lags due to its higher proportion of rural premises. All figures: Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025 (data to July 2025).

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of UK homes have full-fibre broadband available?

82% of UK residential premises could access a full-fibre broadband network as of January 2026, equivalent to 24.9 million homes (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). The figure rose from 78% in July 2025, meaning 1.2 million additional homes gained access in six months (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026).

Which UK nation has the best broadband coverage?

Northern Ireland leads all four UK nations with 95% full-fibre coverage as of July 2025 (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025). Northern Ireland also recorded the highest take-up rate at 62% of premises with access, compared to 49% in Wales, 43% in Scotland and 41% in England (Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025).

What does a social tariff broadband package cost?

Social tariff broadband for households receiving means-tested benefits ranges from £12.50 to £24 per month (Ofcom, Communications Affordability Tracker 2025). More than 30 providers offered at least one such product by December 2025 (Ofcom, Communications Affordability Tracker 2025). Switching to a social tariff saves around £220 per year on average compared to a standard package (Ofcom, Pricing Trends 2024).

Which broadband provider receives the most complaints?

Vodafone generated the most fixed broadband complaints per 100,000 customers in Q2 2025 at 11, against an industry average of 8 (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q2 2025). Plusnet received the fewest at 4 per 100,000 in the same period (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q2 2025). Overall complaint volumes fell to the lowest or joint-lowest levels Ofcom has recorded during 2025 (Ofcom, Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q3 2025).

How fast is the average UK home broadband connection?

The median average download speed across all home broadband technology types was 69.4 Mbit/s in March 2023, a 17% increase year on year (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023). Full-fibre connections averaged 149.2 Mbit/s download (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023). Urban lines averaged 70.3 Mbit/s against 56.0 Mbit/s for rural connections in the same period (Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance, March 2023).

How many UK homes lack decent broadband?

Only 4,000 UK premises were unable to access affordable decent broadband as of January 2026, down from 48,000 in January 2025 (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). Ofcom defines decent broadband as at least 10 Mbit/s download and 1 Mbit/s upload (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026). Lower-cost satellite services have played a significant role in reducing this figure (Ofcom, Connected Nations Spring 2026).