Ofcom finds fibre broadband available to 68% of homes

Two-thirds of UK homes are within reach of fibre optic broadband networks, according to new figures published by Ofcom.

The communications industry regulator revealed that overall super-fast broadband availability stands at 67.9 per cent, although significant differences were discovered between urban and rural areas. 

In towns and cities, 86.7 per cent of households could access the service, compared to 67 per cent in semi-urban areas and just 21.2 per cent in rural communities.

Of all UK nations, Northern Ireland has the highest fibre optic broadband availability at 96 per cent, followed by England (70.9 per cent), Scotland (47.6 per cent) and Wales (39.8 per cent).

Ofcom's report also included a breakdown of coverage for each English region. Greater London came out on top, with 87.9 per cent of homes passed by super-fast networks, while the south-east, north-east, north-west and West Midlands all achieved figures of 70 per cent or above.