In the age of remote work, your dream of countryside living or relocating to a quaint English town might come with a significant catch: dodgy internet service. Here’s a heads-up on where buffering becomes a lifestyle.
1. Rural Cumbria
Picturesque landscapes, yes, but some areas in rural Cumbria struggle with painfully slow broadband, making video calls more of a freeze-frame experience.
2. Dartmoor, Devon
Surrounded by natural beauty, Dartmoor is also encircled by internet connectivity issues. Working remotely here means planning around patchy service.
3. Norfolk Broads
Boating paradise, yes; broadband haven, no. The Norfolk Broads area faces challenges with reliable internet, which is crucial for those considering a serene office view.
4. Cornwall
Despite its appeal as a surfer’s paradise, parts of Cornwall are in a digital drought, with some of the slowest internet speeds in England.
5. North Yorkshire Moors
Remote work in the moors might mean more offline tasks. Internet service in this rural expanse can be as elusive as the heather in bloom.
6. Lake District
A hotspot for tourists and hikers, but not for high-speed internet. Some areas in the Lake District still lag behind in digital connectivity.
7. Peak District
Beautiful views, yes; streaming 4K videos, not so much. The Peak District’s internet speeds can turn a Netflix night into a buffering bonanza.
8. Scottish Borders
While technically not England, it’s a popular consideration for movers. Be warned, the picturesque Borders have connectivity that’s as rugged as the terrain.
9. Isle of Wight
Sea views come at the cost of signal views. The island struggles with internet speed, impacting those dreaming of a remote seaside office.
10. Exmoor, Somerset
Exmoor’s stunning landscapes are a sight to behold, unless you’re trying to load a webpage. Internet here can be as sparse as the moorland.
11. Shropshire Hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with outstandingly slow internet speeds in places, making remote work challenging.
12. Lincolnshire Wolds
Gorgeous, rolling countryside with connectivity that often rolls to a stop. Rural Lincolnshire has pockets of poor internet service.
13. Northumberland National Park
Offering tranquility and starry skies, but a connection that won’t keep up with your streaming ambitions. Remote work here requires patience.
14. West Wales
Another nudge outside England, but a common retreat. West Wales boasts incredible landscapes and coastal towns with less-than-incredible broadband.
15. Somerset Levels
While you’re unlikely to be underwater in this wetland area, your internet speed might well be submerged, affecting work and leisure alike.
Think Twice
Dreaming of a remote work setup with a view? Make sure to check the internet speeds before you pack up. Your productivity might thank you. Beyond the allure of the countryside or coastal life, ensuring you’re not marooned in a broadband desert is key for seamless remote working.
The post Britain’s Digital Disparities: 15 Worst-Connected Regions first appeared on All Things Buzz.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / jimmonkphotography.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.