Ofcom has utilised data from internet service providers (ISPs) to publish the UK's first ever interactive map of fixed-line broadband coverage.

The regulator has launched the chart as part of its requirement to submit reports to the culture, media and sport secretary every three years on the state of the country's communications infrastructure.

Users can zoom in on 200 administrative authority areas to view a range of figures that offer a clearer picture of current levels of broadband provision in each location.

It covers a number of aspects related to fixed broadband, including the percentage of addresses within a given area that can access super-fast services and average levels of broadband take-up, excluding next-generation packages.

The typical ADSL and cable broadband speeds received in each region and the proportion of properties that are currently receiving download capabilities of less than 2Mbps also feature on the online map.

According to Ofcom, two-thirds of homes and businesses have a fixed broadband connection, with the average maximum speed - excluding super-fast services - standing at 7.5Mbps.

Brighton & Hove has the highest take-up at 80 per cent, while Edinburgh and Bristol topped the speed charts with 10.1Mbps and 9.9Mbps respectively.

These latter two cities also have the lowest percentage of premises receiving speeds of less than 2Mbps at 4.5 per cent.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "We are now developing a clear picture of the UK's fixed broadband infrastructure and how it delivers for consumers. We hope that this information will stimulate further rollout of broadband infrastructure and better performance for households and businesses."

Research published by the telecoms watchdog in March showed the UK's average broadband speed stood at 6.2Mbps last October and November.

This represented less than half of the typical headline rate of 13.8Mbps advertised by ISPs.

Virgin Media's up to 50Mbps service was found to offer the fastest average download throughput speed during the study period. 

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