A million users have poor speed on web

MORE than one million UK homes are still unable to get a “decent” broadband signal, new research from Ofcom claims.

The regulator said 1.4 million homes remain unable to receive broadband speeds over 10 megabits per second (Mbit/s), the speed Ofcom says is required in a typical home to meet a household’s digital needs.

But Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2016 report did find that a million more homes than last year could now access such speeds.

The Government has pledged to make broadband a universal service that gives everyone a right to access 10 Mbit/s speeds, a scheme Ofcom is advising on.

The report also announced discussions with mobile operators, urging them to do more to improve 4G mobile data coverage in the UK.

Steve Unger, Ofcom group director, said: “Mobile and broadband coverage continued to grow this year, but too many people and businesses are still struggling for a good service.

“So we are challenging mobile operators to go beyond built-up areas, and provide coverage across the UK’s countryside and transport networks.”

Mobile giant EE has already pledged to bring 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK landmass by 2020.

“Ofcom has offered three potential scenarios in response – a standard broadband offering the 10 Mbit/s; a more highly specified version of the service that also includes 1Mbit/s upload speeds; or a superfast broadband standard involving 30 Mbit/s speeds.

Ofcom said it would monitor the universal service and recommend minimum speed to increase when necessary. IT was the centrepiece of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and proved a major attraction in the heart of the city.

Now the symbol of the Glasgow Games is set to become a major new selfie hotspot after it was moved to its permanent home. The Big G is finally in position on Glasgow Green and council leader Frank McAveety has said he believes it will soon become the favourite place for taking a cheeky selfie.

Mr McAveety said: “It was a memorable sight in 2014 and to have it on permanent display is fantastic. It’s a welcome permanent addition to the city and I’m sure it will become a selfie hotspot in no time.”

During its stint in George Square, the Big G attracted unexpected attention, which even came as a shock to the artist who designed the sculpture, Jason Paterson. Picture: Kirsty Anderson