As an American that is a familiar story, with telcos over the years taking money and not delivering the upgrades promised. We were supposed to have a lot more widespread fiber to the home for instance, and I think we still pay a little more than many other countries.
However by now in 2020, I believe the majority of the US has access to internet over cable tv lines/docsis instead of dsl with speeds more like 100mbps, with up to 1 or 2 gbps available in big metros for $70 a month. I know many rural areas are still underserved, and of course not every household is subscribed to internet service, but it seems to be available in most places.
I’m really surprised internet in the UK seems to be an order of magnitude or more slower for such a large percentage of the population.
That's right, my UK broadband in central Edinburgh gives me 6Mbps if im lucky. 1mbps upload.
I roam around in South east Asia, not the developed states such as Singapore.. In Vietnam I get 60mbps, 16Mbps upload at home for 15 USD per month. I go to coffee shops they are all equipped with 40 to 100Mbps.
Malaysia offered 300Mbps for $50 per month. 5 years ago.
And all plans are truely unlimited.
Whats more? 4G/edge is commonly covered across the country, 8Gbytes pay as you go for.. 5$
The telecom companies in the UK, US and most developed countries are simply treating customers like cows and protect their oligopoly via corruption/lobbying of officials.
We used to get ~60Mbps in central Edinburgh. However, we moved out to a rural area and we get 22Mbps down and 1 up and that is really good for a house outside of a city or town.
Edit: We had a problem with our BT connection recently and I almost got a 4G connection from these folks: https://www.4g-internet.co.uk/
Edit: Actual fibre connectivity was going to be a few thousand just to get a quote... :-(
Yes some Edinburgh blocks have fibre. And those who don't only get copper adsl. My neighbours (same block) have had fibers for several years, go figure.
We live ~12km from the centre of Edinburgh and only recently got mobile phone coverage at our house - so I shouldn't complain too much out Internet speeds.
However by now in 2020, I believe the majority of the US has access to internet over cable tv lines/docsis instead of dsl with speeds more like 100mbps, with up to 1 or 2 gbps available in big metros for $70 a month. I know many rural areas are still underserved, and of course not every household is subscribed to internet service, but it seems to be available in most places.
I’m really surprised internet in the UK seems to be an order of magnitude or more slower for such a large percentage of the population.