Broadband speeds in Wokingham are ranked among the fastest towns in south east England, but are only seen as average for the United Kingdom overall.
The typical broadband download speed in Wokingham in 2023 is 56 Mbps according to Fair Internet Report, and this compares similarly to the south east’s overall median internet speed of 53 Mbps.
For the UK as a whole, Wokingham is ranked as the 72nd fastest town, and the 1,021st fastest location in the country
Over the last five years, Wokingham has reduced the proportion of its slow internet speeds – which is under 10 Mbps – from 20% to 15% today. But compared with other nearby towns, Wokingham is the worst performing town for slow speed declines in the south east.
Other notable changes include a rise in fast speeds of over 80 Mbps from 14% five years ago to 29% now, and a fall in broadband speeds under 10 Mbps, dropping from 20% five years ago to 15% today.
In November 2021, Wokingham ranked as the best town in the UK for Virgin Media, with 53% of its broadband speed tests reaching speeds of 300 Mbps and over.
October 2023 was also a good month for TalkTalk users in Wokingham. The town was head and shoulders above the South East’s other towns, recording 13% of TalkTalk download speeds in excess of 300 Mbps.
Download speeds in Wokingham are moderately good. However, upload speeds are bad. Fair Internet Report has rated their download speed as 3/5, and given a rating of 1/5 for upload speeds. Wokingham’s bad upload speeds hold back its ‘Working From Home’ score, though thanks to the presence of full-fibre, the final score is raised to a poor 2/5.
Internet speed can make or break local quality of life.
From job opportunities to education, slow broadband isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to essential services.
“The divide between towns with good and poor broadband doesn’t just affect download speeds; it shapes futures.” said Thomas Buck, head of broadband at Fair Internet Report.
“Picture a schoolkid, eager to excel, struggling to submit homework on time or unable to access valuable resources like BBC Bitesize.
“They’re not failing because they lack ambition; they’re being held back by inadequate broadband.
Parents who could be enjoying a better work-life balance are chained to office commutes because their home broadband can’t handle remote work.
A dodgy broadband connection affects more than just your online activity; it constrains every aspect of your daily life.”
The South East’s fastest and slowest towns for broadband speed, analysed by Fair Internet Report, highlighted the difference in internet speed across large towns, and the impact this has on residents’ social equality and their quality of life.
Ewell and Worthing are prime examples of how superior broadband speeds can elevate local economies and social well-being.
Ewell, boasting a typical speed of 80 Mbps, has become a hub for small businesses and tech start-ups looking to set up shop. Its robust broadband infrastructure makes it appealing for companies that rely heavily on data and connectivity.
On the other hand, Worthing, with a typical speed of 79 Mbps, has seen an improvement in social equality. The excellent broadband connectivity here means that residents have greater access to online educational resources and telehealth services, making a significant difference in a town with an older population who may have difficulty travelling for these services.
Oxford and Bracknell offer an interesting contrast, highlighting how good broadband can impact different aspects of community life.
In Oxford, where education is a focal point, having an average speed of 79 Mbps ensures that students can access online libraries and resources with ease. This is especially crucial in a town that attracts international students who rely heavily on digital platforms for both study and keeping in touch with families abroad.
Bracknell, with an average speed of 74 Mbps, benefits economically as it’s already a burgeoning tech town with companies in the software and cybersecurity sectors. Good broadband acts like the lifeblood of these businesses, securing Bracknell’s place as a tech-savvy locale.
