Orkney has slowest broadband speeds in the UK, says new report

Orkney has the worst broadband internet speeds across the UK’s 390 council areas, according to new research.

A study published today by consumer protection watchdog Which?, Orkney and then Shetland top the list of the worst broadband speeds any 390 council areas across the UK.

The research – using data from Speed Checker Ltd from January to March 2017- showed Orkney had an average test speed of just 6.3Mbps, with Shetland on just 8.4Mbps

The speeds both fall far below 10Mbps — the minimum download speed proposed under the Government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) that anyone in the UK would be entitled to request.

In response, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called for a renewed commitment to delivering superfast broadband in the county

Commenting on the figures, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “While I recognise progress has been made, these figures reaffirm our fears that the gap in broadband speeds between Orkney and the rest of the UK is growing. This digital divide will only make it harder for Orkney to compete and leaves people with an unacceptable below par service

“I firmly believe that closing those gaps must be our priority. This may require different technology solutions, but it will also certainly require both the Scottish and UK Government and their agencies to work together.”