Business broadband users 'affected by time and geography'

For the most efficient operations, British companies are advised to be at their most productive during the quieter periods of the day.

New research by uSwitch.com has found that the UK's internet infrastructure is still heavily affected by consumption rates at busy periods.

For example, it noted that download speeds tend to drop off by approximately 35 per cent during rush hour, when the highest number of users are trying to access websites and other net-based portals.

As such, firms should focus their work on the middle part of the day, when competition for bandwidth is lower.

Another factor to consider is geography, with companies in certain parts of the country enjoying faster and more reliable business broadband connections than others.

The comparison site suggested the quality of the internet is something of a "postcode lottery", but organisations that are starting up or due to relocate may wish to consider the strength of the connection they are likely to receive in any particular spot.

Destinations such as Cornwall are said to be home to poor broadband links, with a peak speed of only 4.1 Mb/s almost halving during busy periods.

Evesham in Worcestershire has been identified as the most unreliable position in the UK, with variations in its speeds recorded at 69 per cent – higher than anywhere else.

Ernest Doku, technology expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Although providers are working hard to upgrade the UK's broadband infrastructure, there is a long road ahead to ensure that everyone can enjoy a much more consistent service.

"For those who feel they are permanently stuck in the slow lane, it's an extremely frustrating situation."

John Redwood MP, who represents Wokingham in the House of Commons, recently said he is prepared to lobby the government to divert more funds towards installing high-quality business broadband links, as he believes this is now a vital part of modern life, the Wokingham Times reported.