ENGLAND fans hoping to stream Saturday’s clash against Norway could face a frustrating evening if they live on one of the country’s slowest broadband streets – is yours on the top 10 list?
New analysis by comparison website Broadband Genie has revealed the 10 slowest streets in England for average broadband download speeds, with some households receiving little more than 1.6Mbps – far below what’s recommended for smooth HD streaming.
The slowest street in England is Occupation Lane, Broadholme, Lincoln (LN1 2NB), where the average download speed is just 1.63Mbps.
Also featuring in the top 10 are two London streets, Rossiter Road in Balham (SW12 9RX) and North Circular Road in Brent (NW10 1SP), proving that slow broadband isn’t just a rural problem.
Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie, said: “Watching live football at home puts a massive demand on your internet connection. So many of us now stream live sport in HD rather than watching it through traditional TV.
“If your broadband speed is in and around 5Mbps – the bare minimum BBC iPlayer recommends, you’re asking for trouble. Buffering, poor picture quality, and frozen streams become much more likely, which is exactly what you don’t want when England are on the attack.”
England’s 10 slowest broadband streets
| Rank | Street | Average download speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Occupation Lane, Broadholme, Lincoln (LN1 2NB) | 1.63Mbps |
| 2 | Rossiter Road, Balham, London (SW12 9RX) | 1.74Mbps |
| 3 | Quarry Close, Handbridge, Chester (CH4 7LG) | 2.23Mbps |
| 4 | Wakefield Close, Hurley, Atherstone (CV9 2JH) | 2.66Mbps |
| 5 | James Hall Gardens, Walmer, Deal (CT14 7SZ) | 3.00Mbps |
| 6 | Bramdown Heights, Basingstoke (RG22 4UB) | 3.20Mbps |
| 7 | North Circular Road, London (NW10 1SP) | 3.39Mbps |
| 8 | Corner Road, Pillowell, Lydney (GL15 4QU) | 3.44Mbps |
| 9 | Shrigley Road, Macclesfield (SK10 5RT) | 3.62Mbps |
| 10 | West Green, Newton Aycliffe (DL5 6PE) | 3.65Mbps |
Tofts said many people wrongly assume slow broadband only affects remote villages, but the rankings show homes in cities can also struggle.
He added: “Location is only part of the story. You can find two streets just a mile apart playing on completely different levels when it comes to broadband speeds. The findings also highlight that having access to a fibre connection doesn’t always guarantee a result when it comes to real-world speeds.
Tofts continued: “Consumers often see the word ‘fibre’ and assume they’ll automatically enjoy lightning-fast internet. But many of these packages from household names like Plusnet, Sky, or TalkTalk are part-fibre and part-copper.
“They’re still perfectly capable of streaming the World Cup, but it’s important to remember that a drop in speed isn’t always foul play from the provider. Simple adjustments, like moving your router away from thick walls or heavy furniture that blocks the signal, will dramatically improve your download speed.”
It’s worth reviewing your options
With millions expected to watch England’s game online this weekend, Broadband Genie recommends checking your broadband speed before kick-off, avoiding large downloads during the match and making sure other devices in the home aren’t competing for bandwidth.
The comparison site also says anyone who regularly experiences buffering should check whether faster packages have become available at their address, as many areas have been upgraded in recent years without residents realising.
Tofts added: “Live sport puts a unique strain on your internet connection; unlike on-demand video, there’s no opportunity for the stream to catch up and it may skip an important moment.
“Don’t let a poor connection spoil the match. If you’re getting the speeds you were promised but find your internet still can’t keep up, it’s time for an upgrade.
“The good news is, if you haven’t reviewed your broadband contract in the past two years, you will be out of contract and free to switch. While it sounds daunting and time-consuming, it really isn’t. You’ll be able to find and order a new package at half-time.
“In most cases, you’ll be able to get a faster deal and still be paying less than what you were before.”
Photo by Rostislav Uzunov on Unsplash.
