People living and working in remote areas are paying more for inferior internet services – prompting broadband experts FrameChannel to provide invaluable guidance
People living and working in rural Britain are more likely to experience poor service from their internet provider despite having to pay higher prices than those in cities, research has shown.
Broadband-buying guidance website FrameChannel has revealed that internet users in rural areas pay up to 76% more than urban residents, despite suffering slower speeds and unreliable connections.
Uneven internet service has been a national problem for some years – with an Ofcom report from 2018 showing that 677,000 UK homes had broadband incapable of even reaching a minimum of 10Mbps.
Today, only 77% of rural British residences currently have access to high-speed broadband, with limited deals available in more remote regions due to lack of infrastructure (providers often avoid investing in areas with low-population).
Acknowledging the issue, the government originally pledged a full-fibre rollout to every UK household by 2025, but ministers have since adjusted that target: Promising to provide gigabit-broadband to 85% of premises instead.
With so many people still lacking access to reliable internet speeds even in a work-from-home culture accelerated by the pandemic, FrameChannel has identified a number of ways to improve internet service for those living in rural areas.
Here are some of FrameChannel’s recommendations to get better speeds.
Discuss and shop
FrameChannel recommends contacting your current provider to discuss connectivity options and determining if there is the possibility of an upgrade. If the company is still unable to offer faster speeds at lower rates, it’s worth shopping around independent network providers to see what they can offer in terms of service and cost – making it clear you’re searching for a superior service.
Check what you qualify for
Some households may be eligible for fixed wireless broadband – where a mast is installed on your property. There are some parts of the country where you may be eligible for vouchers covering the costs of hardware and set-up for fixed wireless broadband.
Other properties may qualify for the new Universal Service Obligation (USO) scheme, which is provided through KCOM or BT. The USO is based on Ofcom’s declaration that “every home and business in the UK has the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection”. You may qualify for USO if you lack access to decent quality internet and/or you cannot be covered by any other public broadband scheme.
Band together
If all residents are collectively frustrated by the performance and cost of internet speeds in your local area, neighbours can band together to take advantage of the Community Fibre Partnership option. This enables communities to enter into co-funded contracts provided they meet specific criteria.
Invest in MiFi
MiFi devices provide a portable internet connection – creating a mobile hotspot for the user. MiFi devices are generally slim and small, meaning they can be used on the go. They operate through the same 3G networks that most mobile phones utilise, offering a rapid connection in rural areas where broadband tends to be slow.
Reposition or upgrade your router
According to FrameChannel, one simple, cost-free way to boost the speed of your broadband connection is to reposition your router. Wi-Fi routers emit their signals in waves, so the best position is as close as possible to the centre of the home in a high place. Avoid placing the router near devices that can interfere with signal, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless cameras and smart devices.
FrameChannel also recommends keeping routers updated – with devices ideally no more than five years old.
Consider leased lines or dual broadband lines
Obtaining a leased line makes a homeowner the sole user on an internet connection – ensuring faster speeds. Leased lines are typically used by corporations, but can be obtained for residential use.
There are also dual broadband lines which bundle multiple lines – avoiding the bottleneck effect that slows internet connectivity.
For more guidance on improving broadband speeds in rural regions, read FrameChannel’s full guide online.
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About FrameChannel
FrameChannel specialises in tips and guides for internet access in the UK, helping people find the best broadband and mobile deals on the market.
Conducting in-depth research into the latest hardware, Wi-Fi routers and mobile plans, FrameChannel compiles and shares information that enables customers to make informed and savvy choices when selecting a provider.
An independent firm, FrameChannel offers an unvarnished summary of companies, services, and hardware surrounding high-speed internet plans – stripping back the tech jargon and turning data into easy-to-read content.
Led by a team of top technology experts, FrameChannel functions as the go-to guide for navigating internet deals in the UK.
More information is available online: https://www.framechannel.co.uk/
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Email: contact@framechannel.co.uk
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