UK Broadband Speeds Rarely Reach Advertised Levels

Image from BBC Depicts Broadband Speeds at Various Distances

As reported in the BBC, a recent British study revealed that stated UK broadband speeds, like a poorly maintained automobile engine, don't quite perform up to published standards. Unsurprisingly, the slowest times paralleled those of peak usage. Also, rural areas of Britain have lousy service, something their country cousins in the United States know from unfortunate experience.

With the exponential growth of broadband-needy devices, the question of service is rapidly becoming a question of money and location. Already, our local cable provider has talked up its "premium" service, featuring "faster" connection speeds. The rationing of broadband is moving quietly into homes, businesses, schools. Those enterprises that control distribution and access have historically been able to charge tolls. They also don't like to lose control: a loose grip on the situation is what these firms desire.

It may be too much to hope for truth in broadband advertising. Better we should keep in mind that we should be "shocked that there's gambling in the casino." Right.