Snapshot of global internet speeds revealed

[koth]

Quote:A report based on analysis of huge amounts of net traffic has revealed the state of the internet around the globe.

The data, from network giant Akamai reveals the average global net speed is only 1.7Mbps (megabits per second) although some countries have made strides towards faster services.

The fastest broadband city in the world is Masan in South Korea.

In the speed league table, the UK is ranked 27th out of 201 countries, with an average speed of 3.8Mbps.

This is below the 5.2Mbps average speed calculated by regulator Ofcom in its annual broadband report.

The UK has slipped slightly compared to its 23rd ranking in the last Akamai report, which are compiled quarterly.

"Other countries have got faster," said David Belson, head of market intelligence at Akamai.

The Akamai State of the Internet report finds that the average maximum speed enjoyed by UK surfers is 12Mbps.

Even in South Korea, which tops the speed league table and is often perceived as enjoying super-fast broadband as the norm, the average speed is a relatively slow 12Mbps, with the average maximum hitting 33Mbps.

"100Mbps is available in South Korea but it is often at prices that are not affordable by the general public. It can cost several hundred dollars a month," said Mr Belson.

BBC.co.uk