Folksonomics

There has been a lot of discussion recently about the level of broadband services in the UK being below par. A major concern has been the rural areas that still struggle to get access to even basic forms of internet connectivity. However, it has been difficult to gauge so far, the extent to which UK’s broadband services lag behind other developed countries.

Now Point Topic, a prominent analysis company, along with Gavurin has launched an online service that provides detailed information on the state of broadband connectivity in different regions of the UK. Any user can access this information by just logging-in using his or her e-mail address.

The site provides geographical data through an innovative mapping service developed by Gavurin, called G-View. It is capable of tracing the penetration of broadband services throughout the UK and the speeds being offered.

The regions in the UK have been divided into three categories to make it easier for the viewer to assimilate information: those with speeds below 2MB (Slowband Land), those with 2MB to 8MB speeds (Average Access), and those with speeds above 8MB (High Speed Heaven).

Oliver Johnson, Chief Executive of Point Topic, says that the company will strive to provide more detailed information as the service progresses. He also stressed that the simplicity of G-View could potentially bring in more users for the service.

The tool can also play an important role for people offering services or products through the internet by helping them understand the penetration of high-speed broadband in different areas.