In a world where high-speed internet has become a necessity, the United Kingdom is about to witness a significant transformation in its broadband landscape. The government’s recent announcement regarding broadband trials in remote areas has raised hopes for those longing for faster and more reliable connectivity. While the official press release left much to the imagination, we now know that the solution will be delivered through a partnership between OneWeb, BT, and Clarus, with trials set to take place in the Shetland Islands and on Lundy Island, near the north Devon coast.
If you are looking for broadband in remote areas then get in touch with us at Notspot broadband today, this is part of the Obedio family of internet services in the UK specialising in remote areas.
What Does “High-Speed” Really Mean?
The government’s definition of “high-speed” remains rather elusive, merely promising a service “up to ten times faster than what is currently available.” This vague terminology leaves room for interpretation, as individual homes in the targeted areas can currently experience speeds ranging from sub-1Mbps to over 10Mbps. While clarity is lacking, we can hope that they are aiming for at least 30Mbps or more. However, if that were the case, surely they would have used the term “superfast.” According to Virgin Media the average internet speed in the UK in 2022 is 86.5 Mbps, this is no where near what rural areas are getting, so this improvement is well needed. Some more data for you, During the 8-10pm peak-time period, there was a 58% difference between average urban (62.1 Mbit/s) and rural (39.4 Mbit/s) download speeds, up from 42% in 2021 – Ofcom
The Power of OneWeb
OneWeb, in collaboration with BT, has launched an impressive fleet of 618 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offering ultrafast speeds of 100Mbps or more and low-latency connections of under 100ms. While this technology holds immense promise for rural homes and businesses, its real-world performance in the UK remains untested.
BT and OneWeb have multiple approaches at their disposal. They could use OneWeb’s satellite network to bolster the data capacity of local 4G or 5G networks, or they might opt for a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution. In either case, homes may require an external antenna to optimize service performance. We eagerly await further details on their plans.
Mastband’s Future-Proof Advantage
OneWeb anticipates having its UK base stations operational by the end of 2023, signaling an impending revolution in the UK’s ISP industry. This development has the potential to enhance the backhaul for 4G/5G connections, highlighting the future-proof nature of Mastband’s service. Those considering Starlink might soon discover that Mastband offers comparable or superior speeds in rural areas, all at a more cost-effective price point.
Additionally, the quality of customer support provided by Mastband sets it apart. When you choose Mastband, you gain access to highly skilled IT technicians with years of industry experience, ready to assist you with a personal touch. No more waiting for AI responses from a faceless corporation.
What This Means for Current and New Customers
For current Mastband customers, this development represents a significant advantage. The speeds you already enjoy are poised to get even better with the improved backhaul infrastructure proposed by companies like OneWeb. This means faster, more reliable connections for those in notspots, all without any additional cost.
If you’re in the market for a broadband solution or contemplating an alternative to your existing service, Mastband is ready to show you the way. Reach out to us for a free mapping, and discover how we can transform your life with dependable, high-speed broadband. In an era where reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury, Mastband is your ticket to a brighter online future. Get in touch with us here.
Thanks for reading,
Obedio