Point Topic Maps Broadband in the UK

Point Topic's new mapping of broadband geography in the UK shows how deep the digital divide is between the North and the South. Looking more closely at the local authorities with high or low broadband penetration serves to strengthen the North-South distinction. High broadband areas are the prosperous towns, cities and extended suburbs of the four Government Regions which form the south of Britain ­ the South East, the South West, East of England and London. Taken together these four regions have 32.9 broadband lines for every 100 population. The eight more northern and western regions on the other hand have only 26.1% penetration. High broadband areas include the more prosperous London Boroughs, towns such as Norwich, Watford, Bristol or Plymouth, and largely suburban districts such as Elmbridge, Hertsmere or South Gloucestershire. Exceptions on the high broadband list, such as Cardiff and the Shetland Islands, seem to be benefiting from special local factors. Cardiff, with its capital city status, is having considerable success in stretching the London effect a little further west into South Wales. The Shetland Islands seems to be showing something of a Scandinavian effect ­ Internet usage tends to be higher in lands with harsh weather and long winter nights.