UK lagging on broadband price and affordability

The UK is lagging behind other major European economies in broadband affordability, according to a study by Broadband Genie, which found that Hong Kong has the most affordable broadband of countries surveyed, and Turkmenistan the least.

According to the Broadband Genie affordability index, the UK ranks number 22 globally for broadband affordability, putting it behind France (9), Germany (13) and Poland (15) and well behind most Nordic countries, but ahead of Italy (36) and Spain (43).

The study found that Brits spent 1.42% of average salary on broadband compared with 1.21% in France, 1.32% in Germany and 1.34% in Poland.

Citizens of number 3 placed Denmark spend only 0.88% of their salary on broadband, and those of number 4 placed Finland spend only 0.98%, while Swedes (7) spend 1.07%. Among the Nordics, only Norway is more expensive than the UK. The latter also ranks behind Lithuania, Romania and Switzerland in terms of broadband affordability.

In terms of absolute cost, the study found that the UK ranked 73^rd in the world.

Broadband is most affordable for the citizens of Hong Kong, and least affordable for those of Turkmenistan, who have to pay an average of 93% of salary for broadband.

Europe had the most affordable broadband among the world’s continents, while Africa had the least.

Europeans spend just 1.72% of their salary on their monthly broadband bill.

Asia, the Americas and Oceania have similar levels of broadband affordability at 3.31%, 4.48% and 4.65% respectively.

Africa has the least affordable broadband in the world. African people spend 13% of their wages on internet bills.

Worldwide, people spend 3.81% of their salary on high-speed internet access.