More broadband in Swindon than anywhere else in UK

Swindon has the highest broadband penetration in the UK, according to survey published this week.

The research by Point Topic finds the Wiltshire town has a high-speed penetration rate of 59.8 per cent as of 30 June 2006.

Swindon has had the highest penetration rate since December 2005 when 51.1 per cent of the local households were on broadband.

The report says penetration rates grew steadily throughout the country but there is still a digital divide which is growing in some areas.

By the end of June this year less than half of the UK (40.4 per cent) was using broadband.

In some rural areas, particularly in Northern Ireland, Wales and the East Midlands, less than one in three households had broadband access to the internet.

Other places are starting to compete for first place including Cardiff which had a residential broadband penetration rate of 46.7 per cent in June 2006 moving up to the second position, with 57.8 per cent in the latest report.

What do you think? Email feedback@computing.co.uk

Further reading:

Swindon clings onto UK broadband pole
Olymics drive Chinese broadband development