This was well ahead of second-placed Southampton and third-placed Manchester.
As more and more people work from home, issues with their internet can be particularly frustrating. In fact, one in ten workers said that they had faced questions or comments from their boss about the reliability of their home connection.
1. Kilvington
Kilvington midway between Grantham and Newark on Trent suffers some of the worst broadband speeds in the country. Research by Uswitch found that households in the area have to wait over four hours on average for their internet to return after a service disruption.
Uswitch’s data shows that almost half of the UK workforce works from home, and working without a stable internet connection can prove costly for employers.
The problem is most prevalent in rural areas, with towns and villages like Temple in Cumbria and Corsley in Wiltshire suffering some of the lowest average broadband speeds in Britain. However, despite these poor figures, some villages are now benefiting from full fibre connections thanks to community-funded projects.
2. Stockport
In the UK’s outage capital, home broadband users lose an average of 70.2 hours of connectivity each year. This is well above second-placed Southampton and Manchester.
With working from home now more common than ever before, a poor internet connection can be disastrous for remote workers. A lack of speed could mean missed meetings and even lost earnings – so it’s important to have a back-up plan in place if your broadband goes down.
One such solution is to switch provider, with smaller or regional firms often delivering better results than their larger counterparts.
Meanwhile, on Cornwall Avenue in Tyldesley, residents say slow speeds have left them feeling completely cut off from society. They struggle to video call family abroad and have a tough time streaming TV and movies.
3. Nottingham City Centre
As a city, Nottingham offers plenty to do and see. From independent boutiques and art galleries to big-name shopping malls, it has something for everyone. In addition to a lively food and drink scene, Notts also boasts a rich history and stunning country parks.
But not all locals are fond of their city. Some have taken the satirical review site iLiveHere to new heights with their scathing online reviews. One even branded the area ‘a putrid tumour of social rot in the heart of England’.
Staying at Mercure Nottingham City Centre George Hotel places you in the middle of the action. You’ll be within walking distance of Station Street Tram Stop Station, and less than a mile from University of Nottingham. You can enjoy meals at one of the 2 restaurants and unwind with a cocktail at the bar/lounge. The rooms are comfortable, with laptop-compatible safes and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries.
4. Bramcote
Residents in Bramcote Hills Sports and Community College spend the most time offline annually – an average of 70.2 hours. The East Midlands city came in below Southampton and Manchester, but ahead of Edinburgh.
But it’s not just homeowners who suffer the consequences of slow connections.
Mr Baker suggests contacting your provider when you experience a problem and making sure you have a backup plan – like tethering to your mobile or using a neighbour’s wifi. He also urges consumers to shop around and consider switching providers. It’s often worth giving small or regional firms a go, he says, as they may offer better customer service and be more committed to getting your broadband up and running quickly. needs read more hear
