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UK Broadband Blackspots Lag Behind Libya, Cameroon in Speeds
15 Nov
Summary
- 9% of homes in West Devon can't access 10Mbps download speeds
- Average UK download speed is 147.4Mbps, but 72,000 homes can't get 5Mbps
- Experts blame 1992 planning oversight for UK's broadband woes
As of November 15, 2025, a concerning report has emerged that 130,000 UK homes are struggling with internet speeds slower than those in war-torn countries like Libya, Cameroon, and Namibia.
According to the analysis, 9% of homes in West Devon reliant on fixed-line connections are unable to access the legal minimum download speed of 10Mbps, which is typically fast enough to stream TV programs. This is particularly alarming when compared to the average download speeds recorded last month in Libya (10.7Mbps), Cameroon (11.9Mbps), and Namibia (15.6Mbps).
The report also reveals that 72,000 residential premises in the UK couldn't get 5Mbps, despite the country's average download speed being a respectable 147.4Mbps. Experts believe that much of this connectivity woe can be traced back to a planning oversight by the Margaret Thatcher government in 1992, which halted BT's nationwide rollout of fiber-optic technology.
While the government has since introduced a "universal service obligation" to ensure a minimum 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload speed, the progress has been slow, leaving many rural and remote communities reliant on outdated copper wires. As the country continues to strive for better broadband access, the stark contrast between the UK's digital haves and have-nots remains a pressing issue.
