Map reveals the worst areas in London for internet speeds

London’s poor connectivity is once again back in the news, as a map of those living in the worst possible areas for broadband has been revealed.

Only 66.7% of London has access to full-fibre broadband, which allows for the fastest internet speeds available in the UK.

It is also less likely to slow down during busy periods, making it essential for business owners.

But landlords might be one of the most important reasons for why some areas have such poor connection.

Where are the slowest connection spots in London?

But some areas have barely any coverage. In Enfield, only 31.6% of buildings have access to full-fibre, while nearby Barnet only has 44.2%.

Other areas of London still don’t have connections of 30Mb/s or higher, which is the speed deemed necessary to comfortably cover essential internet demands – including the Houses of Parliament.

In St James’ Ward in Westminster, 331% of premises don’t have this minimum coverage. Only 32.1% of the ‘square mile’ of the City of London also has this coverage as well.

In Upminster, only 12% of premises don’t have this minimum coverage, and 7.4% don’t have connections of 10Mb/s.

What is the reason for slow connection?

Matthew Howett, CEO and founder of industry data firm Assembly, told Metro landlords need to step up their game and help roll full-fibre.

He said: ‘A lot of Londoners live in large blocks of flats, and it is difficult for individual tenants to change the connection they have got. That is unfortunately one of the biggest problems.

‘It all depends on the building owner, and it can be hard to reach them and convince them to make the connection.’

He said it is unlikely to be the case where landlords are outright refusing, but better understanding is needed to show them what a difference it could make.

Legislation changes are also needed to give telecom companies the right of access that other utilities have.

‘They still have to wait for landlords to approve their entry to the building,’ Matthew said. ‘Whereas residents can get leaflets posted to them to show their support but that’s about it.’

How does London’s connection speed compare to other regions?

Hull is the city to beat, with 98.2% full-fibre coverage, while Belfast, Coventry, Milton Keynes, and Peterborough also receive similar high levels.

Meanwhile the London Assembly was told by Laura Timm, a representative for the Federation of Small Businesses, that people are struggling to work amid poor connection.

She said: ‘We even have cases where business owners say that across the street, they can have superfast fibre connection, but on their side of the street, they cannot.

‘We also have case studies from people from outside of London who’ve moved to London and have actually been so surprised, because they were expecting a better connection.

‘They used to have a better connection living outside of the London area, and they’re now struggling.’

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