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The average UK broadband speed is around 2 - 2.5Mbps, this is a far cry from the 8Mbps advertised and even further from the average 21Mbps users' in other parts of Europe are experiencing.

Its old news that the UK is falling behind other developed countries in terms of broadband speeds. However, there is one part of the country that will finally be able to compete, the humble town of Ebbsfleet in Kent.

BT has stuck to its word, in that it would provide new major housing developments with fibre optic networks as opposed to installing traditional copper cables.

With fibre networks, broadband speeds hover around the 100Mbps mark. This is bog standard for residence in other parts of the world, such as Korea and Japan, who are reaping the benefits of fibre networks.

However, so far in the UK it has only been businesses that have gotten a taste of such blisteringly high speeds, with around 120,000 businesses hooked up to fibre optic broadband networks.

The housing development in Ebbsfleet though, will see some 10,000 homes built upon a fibre network. Not only will this network prove more reliable than copper cables, but customers will be able to experience the full capabilities current technologies have to offer.

Multiple HDTV channels, HD network games and near-instantaneous music downloads will all be a reality.

The main gripe for the majority of UK broadband customers is the fact that they are not receiving anywhere near the broadband speed that is advertised.

Companies are trying hard to meet the demands but it's simply impossible over the traditional copper networks, it's only with the implementation of fibre networks that demands can truly be met.

The developments at Ebbsfleet are going to prove a testing ground, one which is likely to prove very favourable for both businesses and consumer's.

The outcome of which will hopefully see fibre networks incorporated into other parts of the UK, until ultimately the whole country will be in a position to compete with some of the worlds leading broadband providers, and in turn reap the benefits such networks can provide.

Liam is a UK author, currently focusing on broadband. Compare cheap broadband online today.