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Media regulator Ofcom has launched the first interactive map of cable and ADSL (over telephone line) broadband services across the country. The map covers 200 local authorities, using data from communications providers to illustrate key information about UK broadband availability.

Mapped data includes:

-Ìý homes that are in the coverage area for superfast (over 24mbps) broadband networks
-Ìý average speed of over telephone line (ADSL) and cable services
-Ìý homes with broadband that aren’t currently receiving 2mbps speeds

Findings show that 68% of UK premises have a broadband connection and have average speeds of 7.5 mpbs, whilst homes in rural areas tend to have lower broadband speeds.

Edinburgh and Bristol came top for the fastest average speeds while the highest take up of broadband services was in Brighton and Hove, where 80% of premises have fixed-line broadband.

Chief Executive of Ofcom, Ed Richards, said: "We hope that this information will stimulate further rollout of broadband infrastructure and better performance for households and businesses."

To see how your area is covered, go to the on the Ofcom website.

For more information on broadband and getting online, visit the ´óÏó´«Ã½ WebWise guides on Getting connected.

Hajar is a regular contributor to the WebWise blog and has also made award-winning programmes for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio. In her spare time she loves reading, writing and singing.

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