O2 crowned UK's fastest 3G network

Ofcom research finds O2's 3G network delivers fastest downloads

Mobile operator O2 has been crowned fastest 3G provider by communications watchdog Ofcom, which has been investigating mobile broadband speeds.

Ofcom’s researchers have measured average download speeds of the five mobile operators in various locations across the UK.

The average download speed achieved was 1.5MBit/s and a basic webpage used in the tests took 8.5 seconds to download.

In areas of good 3G coverage, download speeds rose to 2.1MBit/s.

But there were notable differences in network performance, with O2 achieving the highest average download speeds. The Orange network, meanwhile, fared the worst.

“The research is another important step in Ofcom’s efforts to ensure that consumers have the information they need to exercise their choice effectively and make the most of competition in the market,” said Ed Richards, chief executive, Ofcom.

In a statement, Orange said the company recognised Ofcom’s efforts but said the research was flawed because the tests were only based on the download speeds achieved through 3G dongles.

“Since this research was conducted six months ago, we’ve delivered significant improvements as part of onging investment in our network,” it added.