BT and Virgin Media drive improvement in speeds

Broadband speeds in the UK have increased rapidly over the last four years, largely driven by infrastructure improvements carried out by major providers such as Virgin Media and BT, according to the latest report from Ofcom.

It found that fixed-line residential speeds were averaging 9Mbps in May 2012, making them two-and-a-half times quicker than they were in November 2008 when the organisation began its research.

One of the major factors causing this is superfast broadband packages such as BT's Infinity 2 up to 76Mbps service and Virgin Media's up to 60Mbps offering, according to Ofcom.

Chief executive Ed Richards said this data shows that the move towards quicker internet packages in the UK "is gathering momentum".

"Consumers are benefitting from network upgrades and the launch of new superfast packages, giving them faster speeds and greater choice," he added.

Furthermore, Mr Richards stressed that Ofcom is currently working with ISPs and advertising bodies to ensure that the speeds they suggest are available actually correspond to the user experience.

Ofcom estimates that some 76 per cent of people in the UK now have access to broadband.