New analysis of national broadband coverage data by the Uswitch business broadband comparison experts reveals stark regional disparities in non-residential full-fibre access. For example, while 97.4% of business premises in Nottingham can access full-fibre connectivity, coverage drops to just 8.6% in Harlow.
Of the UK’s 3.17 million SMEs, around 2.16 million have full-fibre broadband access. But that leaves roughly 1.01 million, nearly one in three, still reliant on slower, less reliable connections, potentially putting growth and efficiency at risk.
At the top of the scale, Buckinghamshire has 33,465 SMEs, of which an estimated 16,972 are likely without full-fibre broadband; Cornwall follows with 29,645 SMEs and around 15,453 likely lacking full-fibre access; and North Yorkshire has 37,090 SMEs, approximately 14,941 of which are likely not to have full-fibre connectivity, which could affect productivity and competitiveness.
Max Beckett, Uswitch business broadband comparison expert, shares his top tips:
1. Match speed to business needs: Start by assessing how your team actually uses the Internet. There’s no need to overspend on speeds you won’t use.
2. Consider the number of employees: Slower packages may be enough for small businesses with only a handful of employees using the Internet for basic tasks like online browsing, email, and research.
3. Optimise your set-up: Place routers centrally, limit interference and consider business-grade equipment.
4. Avoid broadband bottlenecks: Use network management tools to monitor, control and optimise your network.
