Wales’ weariest ways: slowest streets for broadband identified 

• Wales’ slowest street is found in Cardigan, averaging broadband speeds of 2.28Mb
• Despite their sluggish broadband speed, all 9 out of 10 slowest streets have access to superfast broadband
• Comprehensive study including over 207,000 speed tests recorded and analysed
• Broadband Genie is calling on households to check their internet connection performance and contact their provider if they are not receiving the guaranteed minimum speeds they were promised

The slowest street for broadband in Wales is the B4570, Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, research and analysis by Broadband Genie has found^[1].

Occupants on the B4570 averaged broadband speeds of 2.28Mb. This makes it 323 times slower than Chamberlain Row in Dinas Powys, Wales’ fastest street, which recorded speeds of 35.81Mb.

To put that into context, it would take internet users living on Barrowgate Road almost 6 hours to download a high definition film^[2].

Broadband Genie recorded and analysed 207,711 fixed line speed tests. Streets are ordered from slowest to fastest based on a combination of broadband download and upload speed.

After the B4570, Wales’ second and third-slowest streets are Precelly Place (7.07Mb), Milford Haven and Bryneglwys Gardens, Porthcawl (7.09).

However, a broadband checker will show 9 out of 10 of Wales’ slowest streets have access to superfast broadband, capable of speeds exceeding 30Mb. And 4 out of the 10 slowest have access to full fibre broadband, which can deliver speeds all the way up to 1Gb+.

Overall, the streets of Wales averaged a broadband speed of 80.82Mb^[1]. In Wales, full fibre broadband is available to 72%, on par with England (73%), behind Northern Ireland (96%) and ahead of Scotland (65%)^[3].

1% of premises in Wales fall short of Ofcom’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband^[3]. This gives anyone the right to request a broadband service of at least 10Mb. However, the broadband USO has also been criticised for how suitable and fit for purpose it is, as our digital demands grow.

For the full results and further analysis, visit the Slowest Streets from Broadband Genie

Table: Slowest streets of Wales league table

Rank	Street	Broadband speed (Mb)
1	B4570, Ponthirwaun	2.28
2	Precelly Place, Milford Haven	7.07
3	Bryneglwys Gardens, Porthcawl	7.09
4	Broadmead Park, Newport	7.23
5	Bro Deg, Ruthin	7.26
6	Blue Anchor Road, Pen-clawdd	8.21
7	Glasllwch Lane, Newport	9.39
8	Victoria Avenue, Llandudno	10.12
9	Coronation Drive, Gwbert	10.99
10	Harold Street, Ammanford	11.05

Table: Fastest streets of Wales for broadband

Rank	Street	Broadband speed (Mb)
1	Chamberlain Row, Dinas Powys	735.81
2	Llanasa Road, Gronant	707.03
3	Lawson Road, Colwyn Bay	620.96
4	Brynmor Terrace, Penmaenmawr	429.64
5	Aberbran, Brecon	384.71
6	Dyffryn Woods, Neath	368.79
7	Parkes Street, Burry Port	342.96
8	Heol Y Fran, Swansea	339.70
9	Parliament Street, Rhuddlan	331.68
10	Swansea Road, Pontardawe	317.80

See how your broadband speed compares: run a speed test with Broadband Genie

Alex Tofts, strategist at Bradband Genie, comments: “Broadband customers should not have to tolerate slow broadband, especially when the majority of providers continue to annually raise prices for customers.

“However, it’s important to note, these are real speed tests. Poor broadband can be caused by various factors, such as number of devices, number of users and activity, router placement, and Wi-Fi signal strength.

“No bill payer or internet user should suffer in silence. If you find your broadband is consistently underperforming, and you can’t troubleshoot the issue yourself, contact your internet service provider.

“The majority of widely available broadband providers are signed up to Ofcom’s Broadband Speed Code of Practice. If your provider can’t resolve the issue within 30 days, you’re free to leave your contract without charge.

“If you haven’t renewed your broadband contract in over two years, it’s likely you can get a faster deal at the same or lower cost than what you’re currently paying.”